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 to rise and will change how some viewers access the game in the future.
A source familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that the networks have received 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 anonymously on Wednesday due to confidentiality agreements.
The deal, which is the longest and most valuable in NBA history, will take effect in the 2025-26 season. Games will still be broadcast on ESPN and ABC, with some also moving to NBC and Amazon Prime. TNT Sports, a long-time broadcasting partner, may not continue with the new deals unless they match within five days.
The clock for TNT to match the deals will start once the league sends the finalized contracts.
ESPN and ABC will retain the top package, including the NBA Finals and one of the conference finals series. ABC has been airing the NBA Finals since 2003. ABC will also continue to broadcast games on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons after the NFL season ends.
ESPN’s primary broadcast nights will remain on Wednesdays, with additional games on Fridays and Sundays.
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NBC’s return to broadcasting NBA games will provide the league with two network partners for the first time. NBC will showcase games on Sunday nights after the NFL season, and on Tuesdays during the regular season, with a Monday night game exclusively streamed on Peacock.
Prime Video will broadcast games on Thursday nights after NFL games, with additional games on Fridays and Saturdays. NBC and Prime Video will alternate broadcasting the conference finals.
The new deal is expected to increase the league’s salary cap by 10% annually, ensuring continued salary growth for players. This sets the stage for potential expansion, with cities like Las Vegas and Seattle being popular candidates.
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As broadcast rights packages have increased in value over the years, player salaries have also risen. The growth in revenue from these deals fuels the salary cap and player earnings.
The new media deal represents a significant increase in total value compared to past agreements, reflecting the growing popularity and value of NBA content.
