Whereas ESPN and TNT did not lengthen their media rights offers with the NBA earlier than their unique negotiating window closed, sources inform Entrance Workplace Sports activities that each networks have matching provisions that permit every a chance to answer outdoors bids earlier than contracts are finalized. The availability applies to each streaming and linear rights packages.
The NBA at the moment will get practically $2.7 billion yearly from its nine-year $24 billion offers with ESPN and TNT expiring on the finish of subsequent season and a doubling of that annual common is feasible.
The NBA has been tied to WBD in varied methods since 1984, whereas ESPN has been a associate for greater than 20 years. ESPN additionally offers important programming past stay sports activities that assist promote the league.