Disney and ESPN Have Reached an 11-Year Media Deal With the NBA and WNBA
The Walt Disney Company and ESPN have reached a new media deal with the National Basketball Association and the Women’s National Basketball Association that will ensure that the Worldwide Leader in Sports remains the home of both the NBA and the WNBA for another 11 years.
As part of the new agreement, ESPN will continue to be the exclusive home of the NBA Finals and the NBA Conference Finals through 2035.
Photo: ESPN
While the new deal was long expected, it is still a boon for both Disney and ESPN. As part of the new deal, ESPN will get exclusive packages of NBA Playoff first and second-round games, NBA Saturday Primetime games, NBA Sunday showcase packages, and premiere games on Wednesday and select Friday nights.
Photo: Disney
In total, ESPN and ABC will air nearly 100 games during the regular season.
ESPN Will Air More WNBA Games
The new agreement will also see ESPN become the exclusive home of the WNBA finals in five out of the next eleven seasons and the WNBA Semifinals in eight of the next eleven.
The WNBA has exploded in popularity over the last year, making the new deal an even bigger get for the network.
Credit: Michael Hickey/Getty Images
“Our partnership with Disney has been instrumental to the growth of the WNBA and women’s basketball, as Disney networks have been the home of the WNBA since the league launched 28 years ago. We look forward to building on the incredible momentum we have accomplished together to enhance the visibility of the players and teams and providing more engaging experiences for our fans in the years to come,” said WNBA commissioner Kathy Engelbert
ESPN Needed the NBA For Streaming
With ESPN set to launch its direct-to-consumer product next year, reaching an agreement with the NBA was necessary.
Photo: ESPN
“As the media landscape continues to evolve, this forward-thinking agreement represents a significant and bold step in our mission to serve sports fans, anytime, anywhere, including opportunities to successfully navigate the global digital transition,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said.
Photo: Disney
“Through a premium collection of regular- and post-season game rights, culminating with the NBA Finals and WNBA Finals, plus studio and original content initiatives, we look forward to building upon our legacy of innovation with the NBA and continuing to play an important role in the extraordinary growth trajectory of the WNBA.”
Expanded International Rights
Beginning with the 2025-2026 NBA season, Disney’s international package of NBA and WNBA games will be available to stream on digital platforms. According to the company, this deal is the most significant global sports expansion in Disney’s history.
Photo: Also ESPN
“Disney and ESPN have been part and parcel of the growth and coverage of the NBA over the past 22 years. And we are eager to build on this terrific partnership, which is one of the league’s most extensive and longest-standing relationships,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
The Final Cost
According to Variety, Disney could end up paying $2.6 billion per year for a smaller package of games than it currently has. Still, with ESPN set to enter the world of streaming, Disney had to get a deal done.
Photo: Also GETTY IMAGES FOR ESPN
Interestingly, the NBA rejected Warner Bros. Discovery’s bid to match the new rights deal, meaning the league will now partner with Amazon, Disney, and NBCUniversal.
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