The NBA has agreed to terms on its new media deal, a record 11-year agreement worth $76 billion that ensures player salaries will continue rising and changes how some viewers access the game.
A source familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that the networks have the terms sheets, with the next step being for the league’s board of governors to approve the contracts.
The source spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday because they weren’t at liberty to discuss such matters.
The deal, setting NBA records for both length and value, goes into effect for the 2025-26 season. Games will still be aired on ESPN and ABC, with some moving to NBC and Amazon Prime. TNT Sports has five days to match one of the deals before potentially being replaced.
The clock starts once the league sends the contracts to TNT.
ESPN and ABC will maintain the top package, including the NBA Finals and one conference finals series. ABC has aired the NBA Finals since 2003. ABC will continue airing games on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons after the NFL season ends.
ESPN’s main nights will still be Wednesday with some games on Friday and Sunday.
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NBC will return to showcase games on Sunday night after the NFL season, along with games on Tuesdays. A Monday night package will exclusively stream on Peacock.
Prime Video will air games on Thursday after NFL games, with additional nights on Friday and Saturday.
NBC and Prime Video will alternate covering the conference finals.
The deal will likely see a 10% annual rise in the league’s salary cap, leading to increased player salaries in the future.
It also paves the way for potential expansion, with cities like Las Vegas and Seattle among the top candidates.
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Salaries have risen over the years alongside broadcast rights package values, with the average salary per player exceeding $10 million this season.
From the deal in 1998-99 to the new deal starting in 2025, the total value has climbed significantly.
