The National Basketball Association has rejected Warner Bros. Discovery’s bid to continue airing games after next season, opting instead to partner with Amazon, ESPN, and NBCUniversal in a new 11-year, $77 billion media deal. Warner Bros. Discovery attempted to match Amazon’s offer, but the NBA believes their rights do not extend to an all-streaming package like the one offered by Amazon. Warner Bros. Discovery expressed their disappointment in the NBA’s decision and may consider legal action to assert their matching rights.
The new media deal with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon will begin in the 2025-26 season and includes increased broadcast coverage of NBA games, with Disney airing 80 regular-season games on ABC and ESPN, NBCUniversal airing 100 regular-season games on NBC and Peacock, and Amazon streaming 30 regular-season games. The deal also encompasses WNBA games, with each partner distributing games nationally.
The NBA emphasized that the new media agreements will enhance the fan experience and maximize the reach of NBA games both in the United States and globally. Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon will play a crucial role in distributing NBA content across various platforms, with Disney continuing to air the NBA Finals on ABC. NBCUniversal, which is returning as an NBA broadcast partner after nearly two decades, expressed excitement about presenting comprehensive coverage of both the NBA and WNBA on NBC and Peacock.
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