The NBA has started negotiating for a new media rights deal for 2025 — and the league has built a stronger case to bring in the $75 billion its asking from Turner Sports and ESPN.
Per ESPN, this postseason was the most-watched first round of the NBA Playoffs since 2014 and third-most since 2003.
The network’s eight games averaged 3.34 million viewers — up 28% from 2021 and 69% from 2020 — tough both of those seasons were shortened due to COVID-19.
Regular-season viewership across ABC, ESPN, and TNT increased by 19% from the 2020-21 season — the 1.6 million viewers represented the league’s highest average since 2018-19.
Other outlets like NBA League Pass saw a 30% spike in subscribers, and the league’s social media platforms garnered 13 billion video plays, a 7% increase from last year.
ESPN’s weekday studio show “NBA Today” is up 33% compared to last year.
![[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 26, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Former basketball player Michael Jordan watches during the four-balls on the first day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/USATSI_27174110_168416386_lowres-scaled.jpg?quality=100&w=1024)
