The NBA is reportedly finalizing its next media rights deal, signaling significant changes ahead for broadcasters. Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) TNT Network, which has aired NBA games since 1989, faces the prospect of losing its rights as Comcast’s NBCUniversal emerges as the new frontrunner.
Currently paying $1.2 billion annually for NBA rights expiring next season, Warner Bros. Discovery has the option to match competing bids, but analysts remain skeptical. “I don’t believe Warner Bros. really wants to spend $1.8-plus billion on a rights package for a much smaller package and with less playoff games than they have now,” commented media analyst Rich Greenfield.
NBCUniversal reportedly secured rights with a bid around $2.5 billion, aiming to showcase approximately 100 games per season, half of which will stream exclusively on Peacock, its streaming service. Meanwhile, Disney is set to increase its annual payment to $2.6 billion, reducing its game count while integrating streaming on its upcoming ESPN platform.
Amazon also entered the fray, securing a $1.8 billion streaming package that includes regular season games, playoffs, the play-in tournament, and a share of conference finals, underscoring the growing role of digital platforms in sports distribution.
Overall, the NBA’s new 11-year, $76 billion media rights package underscores the escalating value of sports rights in an evolving media landscape. MoffettNathanson’s Robert Fishman noted, “This NBA renewal highlights the increasing importance and rising costs of sports rights, with digital-only options expanding accessibility beyond traditional Pay TV.”
The outcome of these negotiations will not only reshape NBA broadcasting but also set a precedent for future sports media rights deals in a dynamic media environment.
