NBA set to tie up deal with 542,900,000,000 streaming giant
At the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, the NBA will be in search of a new TV deal. Recent reporting on the subject indicates that the league could team up with one of the world's biggest streaming platforms in the near future.
In a recent story for The Athletic, Andrew Marchand touched on the latest regarding the league's search for a new TV deal. Current networks like ESPN and TNT are interested in keeping their media rights moving forward, but multiple streaming platforms are expected to enter the mix.
It was also reported that the league could possibly give notable games to a streamer at some point down the line.
"The notion that a pure streamer, like Amazon, could have significant games," Marchand wrote.
"Including conference finals and perhaps even the NBA Finals at some point over the life of a long-term deal is a possibility, according to executives briefed on the NBA's discussions."
Amazon has grown to become one of the biggest companies in the world over the past decade. Per Forbes, their revenue in 2023 was roughly $525 billion.
Amazon might not be the perfect partner for the NBA's new TV deal
With streaming slowly starting to overtake cable television, the NBA has to consider all options when it comes to a new TV deal. The latest reporting mentions the league could partner with multiple companies, and they might not have a choice.
When breaking down the appeal of Amazon, Marchand cites a major roadblock. The streaming giant has had success with pro sports, airing NFL Thursday night matchups, but it 's believed that they only want to air high-level games on their platform.
"Amazon is only interested in being involved with a regular- and postseason package of high-level games, according to executives briefed on their thinking," Marchand wrote.
If that's the case, the league will have to figure out what to do for most of the games. Amazon's preference opens the door for Adam Silver to partner with multiple streamers or TV networks to air matchups.
Due to the NBA being one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, they're going to have options when it comes to the TV. An array of suitors will likely line up to try and get even a piece of the action.
When the current TV deal is up, the league is looking for long-term stability in their media partner. The reporting in The Atheltic's story cited that they want to sign a 10-year deal going forward.