The NBA has finalized an 11-year media rights deal with Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video, rejecting Warner Bros. Discovery's $1.8 billion per year offer to continue its longstanding partnership with the league. The approved media rights deals, which will bring in approximately $76 billion over the 11-year period, were greenlit by the league's Board of Governors.
Warner Bros. Discovery had the opportunity to match parts of these deals within five days but their offer was not deemed a true match by the NBA. As a result, the 2024-25 season will mark the end of TNT's nearly four-decade run as a broadcaster of NBA games.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed enthusiasm about the digital opportunities presented by Amazon, stating that the partnership aligns well with the global interest in the NBA and will expand the league's reach to fans in innovative ways.
Turner Sports, however, disagreed with the NBA's decision, asserting that they had matched Amazon's offer as per their contractual rights. They expressed disappointment in the NBA's rejection of their offer and vowed to take appropriate action.
Under the new deal, Amazon Prime Video will broadcast games on Friday nights, select Saturday afternoons, and Thursday night doubleheaders. Additionally, Amazon will take over the NBA League Pass package from Warner Bros. Discovery.
The NBA emphasized that their objective throughout negotiations was to maximize the accessibility of games for fans. The league's partnership with Amazon, Disney, and NBCUniversal aims to enhance the fan experience through various platforms and promotional efforts.
ESPN and ABC will retain the league's top package, including broadcasting the NBA Finals. ESPN/ABC will collectively air nearly 100 regular-season games, with ABC focusing on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, while ESPN will feature games on Wednesday and Friday nights.
NBC's return to NBA broadcasting will see the network airing up to 100 regular-season games, including Sunday night matchups post-NFL season. NBC will also stream a Monday night doubleheader exclusively on Peacock and cover the All-Star Game and All-Star Saturday Night.
During the playoffs, NBC and Peacock will broadcast up to 28 games in the first two rounds, with NBC carrying at least half. NBC and Amazon will alternate broadcasting one of the two conference finals series in six of the 11 years.
The NBA expressed excitement about NBC's involvement, highlighting the network's commitment to leveraging its platforms and resources to enhance the league's tradition and history.
