The National Basketball Association (NBA) has inked a groundbreaking media rights agreement worth a staggering $76 billion over 11 years. This historic deal will reshape the NBA's broadcasting landscape and ensure that player salaries continue their astronomical rise for years to come.
The NBA's record-breaking media deal, which takes effect in the 2025-26 season, represents a monumental milestone for the league. The deal's astronomical value and unprecedented duration are set to revolutionize how fans access the game.
NBA Shatters Records with $76 Billion, 11-Year Media Deal
ESPN and ABC will continue to hold the premier package, including the coveted NBA Finals and one Conference Finals series. ABC's partnership with the NBA dates back to 2003, and the network will continue to air games on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons after the NFL regular season concludes.
ESPN's dominance continues with its Wednesday night broadcasts, as well as selected Friday and Sunday games. The return of NBC, which aired NBA games from 1990 to 2002, marks a significant shift in the league's broadcasting landscape. NBC will showcase games on Sunday nights after the NFL season and Tuesdays throughout the regular season.
NBA Shatters Records with $76 Billion, 11-Year Media Deal
Amazon Prime Video enters the NBA's broadcasting fold with an exclusive package of Thursday night games, following its recent NFL contract. Prime Video will also broadcast games on Fridays and Saturdays. NBC and Prime Video will alternate carrying the other Conference Final series.
The deal's financial implications are equally staggering. The NBA's salary cap is projected to increase by 10% annually, the maximum allowed under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This means players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic could command salaries of around $80 million by 2030-31. Top players may even approach $100 million per season by the mid-2030s.
The massive increase in broadcasting revenue also paves the way for the NBA's next major agenda item: expansion. Commissioner Adam Silver has made it clear that expansion will only be considered after the new CBA and media deal are finalized. Las Vegas and Seattle are among the cities vying for expansion teams, with other cities such as Montreal, Vancouver, and Kansas City also expressing interest.
Over the past 25 years, the value of NBA broadcasting rights has skyrocketed, fueling the league's escalating player salaries. The $2.6 billion deal with NBC and Turner in 1998-99 propelled the salary cap to $30 million per team and the average salary to around $2.5 million. This season, the average salary surpassed $10 million, and with the new $76 billion deal, it will only continue to soar.
The NBA's media rights journey has been marked by exponential growth. From the $2.6 billion deal in 1998-99 to the current $76 billion agreement, the total value has increased by an astonishing 2,800%. Adjusting for inflation, the value still rises by approximately 1,400%.
This historic deal will undoubtedly redefine the NBA's broadcasting landscape, offering fans unparalleled access to the game they love. The surge in player salaries will ensure that the league's stars continue to shine brightly, and the potential for expansion will bring the NBA to even more cities and fans worldwide.
