The world’s biggest basketball league had steady but unspectacular ratings last season but its blockbuster deal could predict the future of sports broadcasting
If there were ever any doubts that the future of television is streaming, the NBA just put them to rest. After months of protracted negotiations over the 11-year media rights deal set to begin in 2025, the NBA announced last night it has signed deals with incumbent Disney’s ESPN, which was already a rights holders, and new partners, NBCUniversal and Amazon. What’s even more remarkable than the eye-watering $76bn price tag, is just what the deal tacitly predicts for the future of sports coverage.
Several things stand out. Firstly, the NBA’s new partners have notably strong streaming platforms, while still maintaining ties to network television (ABC/ESPN and NBC) and an over-the-air presence.