As the NBA’s exclusive negotiating period came to an end earlier this week for its current broadcast partners, sources have continued to say Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery were 75% or more to the finish line of a renewed deal with the NBA. The Puck’s John Ourand is now reporting ESPN and the NBA “have essentially come to terms on a package.”
In the report, Ourand says the deal being worked on would have ESPN remaining with the top package and that would include the NBA Finals staying on ABC. With that, Ourand says his sources are telling him ESPN will end up with less games in order for the NBA to create another package for a streamer. He reports something similar for Warner Bros. Discovery, however, says that deal is not as far along.
Numerous reports have indicated that Amazon, Apple, YouTube TV, Comcast (NBCUniversal/Peacock) and Netflix have all expressed potential interest on the streaming side. Other reports have said the NBA could look to sell games within the In-Season Tournament to a separate media company, as well, potentially adding a fourth partner in the deal.
Sports Business Journal’s Alex Karp had also reported last week that no matter what offers could come in from other networks or streamers, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have a right to match the offer.
