The NBA is changing the way fans watch basketball, and it’s a big deal. A brand-new media rights agreement is set to reshape where games air, how people stream them, and how much money flows through the league.
Major networks are teaming up to bring more NBA action to screens than ever before. This blog breaks everything down in clear, easy words.
We will also cover what the new NBA media rights deal is, which companies are involved, where games will be shown each night, and why TNT lost its long-time spot.
It also explains how the deal affects fans, players, teams, and the future of the league. So, let’s get right into it!
What Is the NBA Media Rights Deal?
The NBA media rights deal is an 11-year agreement worth about $76–77 billion that runs till the 2035–36 season.
Three major companies, Disney (ESPN/ABC), NBCUniversal (NBC/Peacock), and Amazon, will broadcast and stream NBA games.
This makes it the most valuable media deal in NBA history and one of the biggest in all of sports.
Key Highlights of the New NBA Media Rights Deal
- The new deal brings in roughly $76–77 billion over 11 years, which is more than 160% higher than the previous agreement.
- Everything kicks off with the 2025–26 season.
- After 36 years of “NBA on TNT,” Turner Sports won’t carry games anymore.
- Games will be available on multiple streaming platforms, not just cable TV.
- Fans across the country will get to watch more nationally televised matchups.
- The beloved studio show is moving to ESPN, so Charles Barkley and the crew aren’t going anywhere.
NBA Media Rights Partners Explained
Let’s break down what each broadcaster brings to the table.
1. ESPN & ABC (Disney)
Disney remains the NBA’s biggest partner and pays the most money in this deal. Here’s what they’re bringing you:
- Around 80 regular-season games every year
- Exclusive NBA Finals rights through 2036
- Conference Finals coverage
- All the Christmas Day games (because what’s better than basketball on Christmas?)
- The legendary “Inside the NBA” studio show with Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson
ESPN continues its Wednesday night tradition, and ABC gets the prime weekend slots. If you’re a casual fan who only watches the biggest games, you’ll probably spend most of your time on these channels.
2. NBC & Peacock
NBC is making its big return to basketball after being away for 23 years. Older fans might remember the glory days of Michael Jordan on NBC. Now they’re back with:
- About 100 games per season
- The return of “Roundball Rock” (that iconic theme song you can’t get out of your head)
- Tuesday night regional doubleheaders
- Opening night coverage
- All-Star Weekend events
- Monday night games exclusively on Peacock streaming
NBC plans to make basketball a Sunday night staple, similar to what they do with “Sunday Night Football.” They’re investing heavily to make NBA coverage feel like a premium event again.
3. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon is the new kid on the block, but they’re bringing serious firepower:
- Thursday night NBA games (creating a new tradition)
- Friday night doubleheaders
- Coverage of the Play-In Tournament
- Exclusive rights to the Emirates NBA Cup (the new in-season tournament)
- Saturday night games
- Advanced stats and interactive viewing features that cable TV can’t match
Amazon’s streaming technology means you might get features like multiple camera angles, real-time player stats, and commentary options that traditional broadcasts don’t offer. Think of it as the future of watching sports.
Where Will NBA Games Air Under the New Deal?
Getting confused about where to find your team? Here’s your complete weekly viewing guide:
| Day | Where to Watch |
|---|---|
| Sunday | ABC, NBC, Peacock |
| Monday | Peacock |
| Tuesday | NBC, Peacock |
| Wednesday | ESPN |
| Thursday | Amazon Prime Video |
| Friday | Amazon Prime Video, ESPN |
| Saturday | ABC, Amazon Prime Video |
This schedule means basketball will be on nearly every night of the week. Whether you prefer traditional TV or streaming services, there’s a game waiting for you.
Why TNT Lost NBA Rights After 36 Years
This is probably the biggest shock of the whole deal. TNT has been showing NBA games since 1989. Generations of fans grew up watching “NBA on TNT” and the hilarious “Inside the NBA” crew.
So what happened?
Money and streaming priorities. When the NBA opened bidding for these rights, Warner Bros. Discovery (TNT’s parent company) had to compete against companies willing to pay huge amounts.
NBC and Amazon both made aggressive bids because they see NBA games as essential content for their streaming platforms.
The league also wanted to prioritize streaming and reach younger audiences who don’t have traditional cable anymore.
While TNT wanted to keep the NBA, they couldn’t match the combined value of what NBC and Amazon offered.
The good news? “Inside the NBA” isn’t disappearing. ESPN worked out a deal to bring the show to their network, so you’ll still get to enjoy the chemistry between Shaq, Charles, Kenny, and Ernie.
New NBA Media Rights Deal Vs the Previous Deal
Let’s look at the numbers:
| Category | Previous Deal (2016–2025) | New Deal (2025–2036) |
|---|---|---|
| Total value | About $24 billion | About $76–77 billion |
| Length | 9 years | 11 years |
| Partners | ESPN/ABC and TNT | ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video |
| Annual value | Roughly $2.7 billion per year | Approximately $7 billion per year |
That’s an increase of over 160%. No other major sports league has seen this kind of jump in media rights value.
The New Deal Also Brings:
- More games on free broadcast television (ABC and NBC)
- Better streaming availability for cord-cutters
- International reach through Amazon’s global platform
- Advanced viewing technology and features
What the NBA Media Rights Deal Means for Fans
Every big change comes with pros and cons. Here’s what you need to know:
The Good News:
- More free games: ABC and NBC are available with just an antenna, so you don’t need cable for many games
- Streaming flexibility: If you have Amazon Prime already, you’re getting NBA games as part of your subscription
- Better technology: Expect cooler viewing features, especially on Amazon’s platform
- More coverage: With three partners instead of two, there’s more investment in pre-game shows, analysis, and special content
The Not-So-Good News:
- Platform fragmentation: You’ll need multiple subscriptions to watch all the games you want
- Can get expensive: ESPN (cable or streaming), Peacock subscription, and Amazon Prime add up quickly
- Learning curve: It might take a season or two to remember which games are on which platform
- Cable still matters: Despite the streaming push, you’ll need cable or streaming bundles to access ESPN
What About NBA League Pass?
NBA League Pass still exists and works alongside this new deal. If you’re a hardcore fan who wants to watch out-of-market games that aren’t nationally televised, League Pass remains your best option.
Just remember that nationally televised games on ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Amazon will be blacked out on League Pass.
Financial Impact of the NBA Media Rights Deal
This deal isn’t just about where games appear on TV. It’s reshaping the entire business of basketball.
1. League Revenue Explosion
The NBA’s annual media-rights revenue is expected to jump from roughly $2.7 billion to about $7 billion, creating $4+ billion in new yearly cash flow.
That money doesn’t just sit at league headquarters; it spreads across every part of the business.
It boosts league-wide profit, raises Basketball Related Income (BRI), strengthens long-term planning, and gives the NBA more room to invest in global growth, tech upgrades, marketing, and new fan experiences.
2. Team Borrowing Power
NBA teams can now borrow more money against future media revenue. This means teams can spend more on:
- New arenas and facility upgrades
- Better training facilities
- Player development programs
- Community investments
3. Salary Cap Growth
The salary cap is tied to league revenue. With more money coming in, the cap will rise significantly over the next decade. This means:
- Players will sign bigger contracts
- Teams have more flexibility to build rosters
- Mid-level players will see pay increases, too
4. Franchise Valuations Soaring
NBA franchise values were already climbing fast, with multiple teams selling for $3 billion+ in recent years. A bigger, longer media deal adds stability and confidence for investors because it locks in massive revenue for years ahead.
That predictability makes teams easier to finance, more attractive to ownership groups, and more valuable in future sales.
It also increases the upside for new arenas, premium seating, sponsorships, and local development projects around teams.
5. Impact on Small-Market Teams
Unlike local TV deals that vary by market, this national media money gets split equally among all 30 teams. A team in Memphis gets the same share as a team in Los Angeles.
This helps level the playing field and keeps small-market teams competitive.
History of NBA Media Rights Deals
The NBA’s journey to becoming a media powerhouse took decades:
The Early Days (1950s–1980s): NBA games appeared sporadically on TV. The league wasn’t particularly popular, and networks showed limited coverage.
The NBC Era (1990–2002): Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls turned the NBA into must-see TV. NBC’s coverage during this period helped make basketball a cultural phenomenon. “Roundball Rock” became as iconic as the players themselves.
The ESPN/TNT Dominance (2002–2025): For over two decades, ESPN and TNT were the only places to watch national NBA games. They invested in star commentators, innovative broadcasts, and shows like “Inside the NBA” that became bigger than the games themselves.
The Streaming Transition (2025 and Beyond): Now the NBA is betting big on streaming platforms. As younger fans cut cable cords and watch content on demand, the league is following viewers to new platforms.
This new deal represents the NBA’s belief that streaming is the future, even as traditional broadcast TV (ABC, NBC) remains important for reaching the widest audience.
At the End
The new NBA media rights deal marks a major turning point for basketball fans and the league itself. With more money, more partners, and more streaming options, the NBA is setting itself up for a strong future.
Fans will see more games, better technology, and wider access, even if it means juggling a few platforms. Players and teams benefit from higher salaries, stronger teams, and long-term stability.
From big cities to small markets, everyone shares in the growth. This deal isn’t just about TV; it’s about how basketball fits into everyday life moving forward.
Stay tuned as the new era tips off, and keep checking back for updates, schedules, and simple guides to help make the most of NBA basketball.
