• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 28, 2026

NBA Seeks $75B for New Broadcast Rights

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

After the NFL sealed historic 11-year media rights deals for more than $100 billion, the NBA is looking to make headlines for similar reasons.

CNBC reported that the league is aiming for a $75 billion multiyear rights package with Turner Sports and ESPN — $51 billion more than its current deals with the networks’ respective parent companies, AT&T-owned WarnerMedia and Disney.

The deals would pay about $8 billion per year over nine years compared to the current $2.6 billion-per-year contracts, which run through the 2024-25 season. The NBA also has a $1.5 billion streaming deal with Tencent.

The $75 billion goal is not out of reach. For each year of its new NFL rights package, Disney alone will pay the league $2.7 billion — more than the NBA receives annually from all its broadcast partners combined. 

The asking price stems from specific metrics like viewer hours, which help determine the worth of broadcasting rights. That’s good for the NBA, which has seen increased ratings this season.

The last deal between the NBA, Turner Sports, and ESPN took effect in 2016 for nine years at $24 billion, an 180% increase from the prior 2007 agreement.

“The partnership with the NBA is incredibly important to us, and we’re looking forward to getting back at the table with Adam [Silver] and his team when the time is right,” said ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Philadelphia 76ers player Allen Iverson acknowledges the crowd during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center

‘Cash Grab’: Andrew Bogut Calls Out Allen Iverson’s Australia Visit

Former Australian pro basketball players called out Iverson as “difficult.”

NCAA Asks Judge to Quit Bediako Case Over Alabama Ties

Jim Roberts and his wife are listed as Alabama boosters. 
Jan 24, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd motions to his team during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center.

Jason Kidd Takes Board Role, Equity Stake in Youth Sports Company

The Mavericks coach is an equity holder and member of the board.
Aug 24, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Bob Costas speaks during a celebration of Bob Uecker’s life prior to the game between the San Francisco Giants= and Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.

Inside NBC’s ‘NEW-Stalgia’ Approach With MLB and NBA

Costas will host NBC’s pregame show on Opening Day.

Featured Today

Tim Jenkins

How One NFL Pass Turned Into a Career on YouTube

Tim Jenkins missed the NFL. He took his football IQ to YouTube.
January 17, 2026

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”

UFC Defends Ad-Heavy Paramount+ Debut

The first event on Paramount+ featured ads during fighter walkouts. 
Barstool Sports founder and pizza influencer Dave Portnoy went on a four-shop tour of RI pizza places and stopped at Francesco's on Hope Street after owner Frank Schiavone got Portnoy's attention with some confident signage.
January 27, 2026

NFL: Dave Portnoy Not Banned From Super Bowl

“Mr. Portnoy can buy a ticket to the game.”
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jan 25, 2026; Taipei, TAIWAN; Alex Honnold free solo climbs Taipei 101.
January 27, 2026

Netflix Continues Live TV Push As Skyscraper Climb Draws 6.2M

The stream of the free climb expanded the company’s live events presence.
Sponsored

From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook

Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
Jan 26, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Amanda Anisimova of United States in action against Xinyu Wang of China in the fourth round of the women’s singles at the Australian Open at John Cain Arena in Melbourne Park.
January 26, 2026

Amanda Anisimova Calls The Athletic Reporter’s Questions ‘Clickbait’

“I don’t think that’s relevant,” Anisimova responded.
Jan 24, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Justin Gaethje (red gloves) fights Paddy Pimblett (blue gloves) during UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena.
January 26, 2026

Paramount Says Nearly 5 Million Watched Its UFC Debut Event

UFC and Paramount agreed to a seven-year deal last year worth $7.7 billion.
exclusive
January 22, 2026

Molly Qerim Hosting Zuffa Boxing in First Post-ESPN Job

The move reunites her with former ESPN colleague Max Kellerman.
January 22, 2026

CFP Title Game Draws 30.1M Viewers, Most-Watched Since 2015

Viewership surges 36% for the Hoosiers’ win to seal an undefeated season.