A Game-Changer for NBA Broadcasts
After intensive negotiations that kept sports business circles buzzing for months, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has catapulted itself into a groundbreaking media landscape. Starting with the 2025-26 season, a new cohort of broadcasting giants will bring the games to fans like never before. According to insider reports by Andrew Marchand from the New York Times, a whopping $76 billion deal has been inked over 11 years, setting a new precedent in sports media.
The Major Players and Their Stakes
The traditional broadcasters ESPN and ABC are set to share the stage with digital powerhouses Amazon Prime Video and NBC. This collaboration isn’t just an expansion—it’s a revolution, with each partner shelling out nearly $7 billion per season to capture live NBA action.
TNT’s Countermove
In a twist filled with corporate drama, TNT Sports—a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery—is not stepping down without a fight. They hold a matching right to retain NBA broadcasts, potentially upsetting Amazon’s plans. The stakes? High. The drama? Even higher.
What This Means for Fans
For NBA enthusiasts and cord-cutters alike, the new deal promises more access than ever before. Games will now be aired seven days a week post-NFL season, creating a non-stop basketball bonanza on screens across the nation:
- Monday: Peacock
- Tuesday: NBC
- Wednesday: ESPN
- Thursday: Amazon
- Friday: ESPN/Amazon
- Saturday: ESPN/Amazon
- Sunday: NBC/ESPN
The Streaming Advantage
Adding Peacock and Prime Video to the mix not only diversifies viewing options but also enhances convenience for fans preferring digital platforms over traditional TV. Additionally, with NBC set to simulstream games on Peacock, the accessibility is unmatched. The cherry on top? Each partner will also showcase pivotal postseason games, with Prime Video hosting the In-Season Tournament and ESPN continuing to air a conference final and the NBA Finals each year.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA 2K25 Summer League gears up in Las Vegas, the league’s board of governors is poised to approve these transformative agreements. The future of NBA broadcasts is here, and it’s brighter, bolder, and more accessible than ever. Stay tuned, sports fans—basketball viewing just got a major league upgrade.