What's Happening?
The 2025-26 NBA season introduces a new 11-year media rights deal, placing games on ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video. ESPN continues with familiar faces like Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, and Tim Legler.
NBC returns to NBA broadcasting for the first time since 2002, featuring Mike Tirico, Jamal Crawford, and Reggie Miller. Amazon Prime Video enters the scene with Ian Eagle or Kevin Harlan, Stan Van Gundy, and Brent Barry. Each network is rolling out its top broadcast crews for the season.
Why It's Important?
This new broadcasting arrangement marks a significant shift in how NBA games are consumed, with NBC re-entering the market and Amazon Prime Video offering games for the first time. This diversification of platforms could lead to increased accessibility and viewership, as well as competition among networks to deliver high-quality broadcasts. The presence of well-known commentators and analysts across these platforms is likely to attract a broad audience, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
What's Next?
As the season progresses, the effectiveness of these new broadcast teams will be evaluated based on viewer feedback and ratings. The networks will likely adjust their strategies to optimize audience engagement and satisfaction. The success of Amazon Prime Video's entry into live sports broadcasting will be particularly scrutinized, as it could influence future media rights negotiations and the role of streaming services in sports.
