The NBA’s exclusive negotiation period with current media partners Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery is poised to conclude without a new deal, according to insiders.
Starting next week, the NBA can explore agreements with potential new partners for broadcasting games. Companies like Amazon, Apple, YouTube TV, Comcast’s NBCUniversal/Peacock, and Netflix have all shown preliminary interest, CNBC previously reported. The exclusive window with existing partners officially closes Monday.
While no agreement is anticipated by the deadline, discussions with Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery are ongoing, confirmed an NBA spokesperson. The league aims to bring in at least one new flagship streaming partner, prioritizing a robust platform committed to promoting NBA games.
“We continue to have productive discussions with Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery on a renewal of our media deals,” stated an NBA spokesperson.
Both Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s TBS and TNT have been broadcasting NBA games since the 1980s, while Disney’s ESPN and ABC joined in 2002. The companies have expressed interest in renewing their partnerships and are set to launch a new sports-focused streaming service with Fox.
The NBA seeks to double its previous $24 billion media rights deal by incorporating new partners and increasing fees. Negotiations are complex due to the potential involvement of a third party, with discussions focusing on sharing the increased financial burden.
The value of live sports programming remains high, attracting advertisers and maintaining viewership despite fluctuations in regular-season ratings. The upcoming NBA playoffs are anticipated to draw significant viewership, continuing the league’s tradition of captivating audiences with thrilling basketball action.
