What's Happening?
The NBA's 2025-2026 season kicks off with a new 11-year media agreement that introduces Amazon, NBCUniversal, and Disney as broadcast partners. This marks the end of a 34-year partnership with Warner Bros.
Discovery. NBC will air regular-season and postseason games for the first time since 2002, with games scheduled on Tuesday and Sunday nights. Peacock will exclusively air Monday night games. The season opens with an NBC doubleheader featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors visiting the Los Angeles Lakers.
Why It's Important?
The new media deal significantly expands the NBA's broadcast reach, offering fans more ways to watch games. The inclusion of major platforms like Amazon and NBCUniversal reflects the league's strategy to adapt to changing media consumption habits. This shift could lead to increased viewership and revenue, benefiting the league and its teams. The deal also highlights the growing importance of streaming services in sports broadcasting.
What's Next?
Fans can expect a diverse range of viewing options throughout the season, with each network offering unique doubleheader matchups. The new media partners will likely introduce innovative broadcasting techniques to enhance the viewing experience. The success of this media strategy will be closely monitored, as it could influence future sports broadcasting deals.
