The NBA’s media rights are about to be up for grabs, and NBC wants to make an aggressive push for them. However, the NBA can’t begin formal negotiations with companies other than Warner Bros Discovery and Disney before April 2024. Unless they opt to waive their exclusive negotiation rights.
NBC is not alone, as Disney is also expected to bid on the NBA to keep games on ESPN and ABC. Additionally, streamers like Amazon and Apple have also expressed interest in getting rights to the NBA.
It’s been about 20 years since the NBA left NBC. Though, we all still remember the iconic NBA on NBC music, called “Roundball Rock”. Which FOX actually uses now for college basketball. NBCUniversal has expressed their interest to the NBA, but the sources have asked not to be named since the discussions are still private. NBCUniversal basically wants a package that would allow them to put playoff games on NBC. As well as some regular season games being exclusive to NBC and Peacock. Though, the NBA could force media companies to simulcast all games on streaming to increase the reach of the games.
NBCUniversal will likely be competing directly with Warner Bros Discovery for NBA’s second traditional TV partner
So what’s NBCUniversal’s pitch? Well, NBC can offer a broadcast network to air NBA games, if pay TV providers begin to drop cable networks like TNT and TBS. Which is possible, since those two channels do mostly run reruns of scripted programming. NBC is an OTA channel, which is free to everyone, and they could also watch for free on NBCSports’ website. Additionally, Comcast also owns Sky which would give the NBA another international broadcast outlet.
How much could the NBA rights’ go for? Well, it’s still to early to tell, since a deal likely won’t be made official until 2024, but many are expecting the revenue from this deal to almost triple. Which would take it from $25 billion to more than $70 billion over the nine years. Though that number is apparently too optimistic according to those familiar with the matter. But an annual increase of 100% is more likely. And in-line with other sports leagues media rights as of late.