Amazon, NBA Strike Major Broadcast Deal: Regular Season, Playoff Games to Stream

Amazon and NBA Strike Major Broadcast Deal: Regular Season, Playoff Games to Stream

Amazon Prime Video Secures Streaming Rights

In a landmark agreement, Amazon Prime Video has joined the ranks of major broadcasters for the NBA. The deal, expected to span at least 10 years, will commence with the 2025-26 season. Prime Video's package will encompass regular season and playoff games, including the potential addition of conference finals. The agreement also includes global broadcast rights, further expanding the reach of NBA content.

ESPN Maintains "A Package," ABC Lands Exclusive NBA Finals

ESPN/ABC remains a central player in NBA broadcasting, retaining its "A package" of games. ABC secures exclusive rights to the NBA Finals under a 10-year agreement. However, ESPN's total number of televised games will decline, opening the door for other networks to acquire broadcast rights.

TNT's Future in NBA Broadcasting Uncertain

TNT, a long-time NBA broadcaster since 1984, faces an uncertain future. Warner Bros. Discovery, the network's corporate owner, holds the right to match Amazon's offer. However, losing NBA telecasts would create a significant void in TNT's programming schedule. NBC, which lost NBA broadcasting rights in 2002, is also reportedly interested in acquiring the package.

Amazon's Anticipated Coverage

Amazon's NBA broadcasts are expected to stream on Thursday nights, complementing the NFL's Thursday Night Football telecasts. To compensate for the absence of regular season games during the NFL season, Amazon is likely to gain additional playoff broadcasting rights.

Google's Pursuit of NBA League Pass

Google has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring NBA League Pass, the league's out-of-market broadcast package. If successful, this would mark a significant expansion of Google's sports streaming offerings.

Table: Amazon's NBA Broadcast Rights

| Component | Rights | Timeframe | |---|---|---| | Regular Season | Included | 2025-26 and beyond | | Playoff Games | Included | 2025-26 and beyond | | Conference Finals | Potential inclusion | 2025-26 and beyond | | Global Rights | Included | 2025-26 and beyond |

Key Figures in the Deal

- Andrew Marchand

(The Athletic): First reported the Amazon-NBA deal.

- John Ourand

(Puck): Reported ESPN/ABC's continuation as a major NBA broadcaster.

- Ken Meyer (Puck): Reported Google's interest in NBA League Pass.