NBA Announces Partial 2025-26 Schedule with New Media Rights Deal

What's Happening?

The NBA has begun releasing its 2025-26 season schedule, revealing a selection of nationally broadcast games. This comes as part of a new media rights deal that includes broadcasting on NBC (Peacock) and Amazon Prime. The league is gradually unveiling key matchups to build excitement for the upcoming season, following the Oklahoma City Thunder's recent championship win. The announced games include high-profile matchups such as the Oklahoma City Thunder versus Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets versus Golden State Warriors. The schedule also highlights Christmas Day games featuring teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA plans to continue releasing scheduling details, with a full national broadcast schedule expected soon.

Why It's Important?

The new media rights deal marks a significant shift in how NBA games will be broadcast, potentially reaching a wider audience through platforms like NBC and Amazon Prime. This could impact viewership patterns and advertising strategies, benefiting both the league and its broadcasting partners. The staggered release of the schedule aims to maintain fan engagement during the offseason, crucial for sustaining interest and revenue. Teams involved in the early announcements may experience increased media attention and fan interest, influencing ticket sales and local economies. The introduction of NBA games on Amazon Prime also signals a growing trend of sports content moving to streaming platforms, which could reshape the future of sports broadcasting.

What's Next?

The NBA is expected to continue announcing additional games and details about the 2025-26 season schedule. Fans and stakeholders are anticipating further information about the inaugural season of NBA on Prime, which will feature 66 regular-season games streamed on Amazon Prime. Additionally, announcements regarding the NBA Cup's nationally broadcast knockout rounds and title game are anticipated. These developments could lead to strategic adjustments by teams and broadcasters as they prepare for the new season. The league's approach to scheduling and broadcasting may influence future negotiations and partnerships within the sports industry.