The NBA television rights landscape is changing, with The Athletic reporting Friday that Amazon Prime Video has the “framework of a deal” in place with the league.
The outlet reported sources saying the streaming service is set to become an NBA destination platform with the contract beginning with the 2025-26 season expected to feature both regular-season and playoff games.
Meanwhile, Puck reported Friday that the league and long-time partner ESPN have “essentially come to terms” on a new agreement that keeps the network in possession of exclusive rights to the NBA Finals.
Both agreements are expected to be at least 10 years in duration.
Another long-time league partner, TNT, is not likely to be left out in the cold, though it reportedly faces a challenge from NBA/Peacock. TNT, as well as ESPN, reportedly have the right to match any offer.
The Athletic said the NBA, Amazon and ESPN declined comment.
The league’s current nine-year contracts with ESPN and TNT are set to expire after the 2024-25 season.
With fewer games included in the new deals – one estimate has ESPN moving from 100 games to 80 and TNT aimed for a similar reduction – the NBA cleared the way for a third partner now likely to be Amazon Prime Video.
The Athletic report suggested Amazon’s regular-season games could land on Thursday nights, a natural fit because Amazon has NFL games on Thursdays from September through early January.
The Street reported the NBA is likely expecting to double the $2.7 billion annual average that it has been receiving from ESPN and Turner.
