NBA Announces Major 9-Year TV Deal With ESPN, ABC, TNT: WNBA And NBA D-League Get New Contracts

The NBA announced Monday, Oct. 6, that it has signed a massive, nine-year television deal with Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc. and The Walt Disney Co., estimated to be worth more than $2.5 billion per year. Beginning with the 2016-17 season and extending through the 2024-25 season, NBA games will continue to air on ESPN and TNT while ABC will retain the exclusive rights to the NBA Finals broadcasts.

"The Walt Disney Co. and Turner Broadcasting share responsibility for the growing popularity and interest the NBA enjoys, and we are thrilled to extend our partnerships," said National Basketball Association Commissioner Adam Silver. "With these new agreements, our fans will continue to benefit from the outstanding NBA coverage and programming provided by ABC, ESPN, TNT, NBA TV and their digital platforms."

Under the agreement, NBA content will maintain a larger presence on espn.com, WatchESPN and other digital platforms.

"The NBA has never been more popular, and it continues to grow under Adam's leadership," ESPN President John Skipper said in a statement, according to the network. "By acquiring significantly more NBA content for both existing and yet-to-be created platforms, we will establish a vibrant, year-round NBA presence for fans. For ESPN, this agreement continues our fruitful, longstanding relationship with the NBA and bolsters what is already the sports industry's most impressive and impactful collection of media rights."

The two sides have also worked out new deals that extend over to the Women's National Basketball Assoication and the NBA Developmental League, increasing exposure for both NBA offshoots. ESPN has agreed to enhance its in-progress WNBA highlights, while the NBADL will see at least 20 games televised per year beginning in 2016-17.

"These nine-year extensions with Disney and Turner recognize the extraordinary value of live premium sports," said Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Wizards and chairman of the NBA Media Committee. "On behalf of our Media Committee and the other team owners, we thank Disney and Turner for their commitment to the NBA and its fans."