The NBA announced on Wednesday the completion of an 11-year, $76 billion media rights agreement, marking a significant shift in its broadcasting lineup. After the upcoming season, the league will end its decades-long relationship with TNT, transitioning to a new partnership with Amazon.
The NBA revealed in a statement that Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of TNT, did not match Amazon’s terms. Amazon is set to pay $1.8 billion annually to stream NBA games on Prime Video. Television rights will be held by NBCUniversal and ESPN, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Co.
The league emphasized its goal to expand the accessibility and reach of its games. “Streaming has become the platform of choice for young viewers who are abandoning or bypassing traditional pay TV services,” the NBA stated. The deal with Amazon aligns with this strategy by complementing existing broadcast, cable, and streaming packages under the new arrangements with Disney and NBCUniversal.
“All three partners have also committed to substantial services to promote the league and enhance the fan experience,” the NBA added.
This new deal significantly boosts Amazon Prime Video’s presence in the TV sports industry, complementing its existing Thursday Night Football package with the NFL. The NBA’s new agreement more than doubles the rights fees of its current package, highlighting the escalating value of live sports leagues in the streaming-driven media landscape.
