Who has rights to NBA?
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The National Basketball Association (NBA) has its media rights divided among several major broadcast networks, with Disney’s ESPN, ABC, and Turner Sports’ TNT being the primary holders of NBA broadcasting rights since the 2002-03 season. The current NBA media rights agreement, which expires at the end of the 2024-25 season, sees ESPN and TNT paying a combined $2.6 billion annually for the rights to broadcast NBA games.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
- What is the next media rights deal for the NBA?: The NBA’s media rights deals with ESPN and TNT are up after the 2024-25 season, with new pacts potentially being struck as soon as next summer, and the league is expected to seek $50 billion to $75 billion for its next cycle of long-term media rights.
- Did Disney buy the NBA?: No, Disney did not buy the NBA, but its subsidiary ESPN, along with ABC, has been broadcasting NBA games since the 2002-03 season as part of a media rights agreement.
- Who owns NBA media rights?: The NBA has its media rights divided among several networks, with ESPN, ABC, and TNT being the primary holders, and NBA TV is owned by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and operated by Warner Bros. Discovery.
Broadcasting Rights
- Does ESPN have NBA rights?: Yes, ESPN has NBA rights and broadcasts NBA games through its platform, including ESPN on ABC, which began televising NBA games in 2006.
- Does Magic Johnson own the NBA?: No, Magic Johnson does not own the NBA, but he has been approached with ownership opportunities and has expressed interest in potentially owning the New York Knicks.
- How much does Disney pay for NBA?: Disney, through ESPN and ABC, pays $2.6 billion annually for NBA broadcasting rights as part of the current media rights agreement.
Business and Finance
- Is ESPN being sold by Disney?: While there have been considerations and discussions, Disney has not sold ESPN, but there are plans to transform the business into a digital streaming company.
- Could the NBA return to NBC?: Yes, the NBA could potentially return to NBC, as NBCUniversal has expressed interest in acquiring NBA broadcasting rights and could offer a broadcast network to air NBA games.
- How much are NBA rights?: The NBA is expected to seek $50 billion to $75 billion for its next cycle of long-term media rights, which would more than double its current $24 billion deal.
Related Leagues and Partners
- Who has NFL TV rights?: The NFL has broadcast deals with ESPN/ABC, Fox, CBS, and NBC, with agreements lasting from 2023 to 2032, and streaming deals with YouTube and Amazon Prime.
- Does Panini have NBA rights?: Panini America has been the exclusive licensee of the NBA since the 2009-10 season, with its union deal expiring in 2025.
- How much does ESPN pay for NBA rights?: ESPN pays $1.4 billion annually for NBA broadcasting rights, while Turner Sports pays $1.2 billion, as part of the current media rights agreement.
Ownership and Revenue
- Do NBA owners go to every game?: Most NBA owners do not attend every game, but they often watch home games in the box and may travel to important road or playoff games.
- What is the highest paid NBA franchise?: The Golden State Warriors generated the most revenue among NBA franchises in the 2021-22 season.
- How much is the NBA worth?: The average NBA franchise is worth $3 billion, with the collective worth of all 30 teams being $90 billion, including team-related businesses and real estate held by owners.