Amid the Hype Surrounding NBA’s Newest Policy, 15 Teams Are Set to Face a Major Snub From an $85,000,000 Worth Network

The NBA media rights deal with ESPN and TNT will end in 2025. This will bring in a huge bidding war as the red-hot NBA market will draw massive interest. Apart from the bidding wars for marquee NBA games, and the national TV fixtures, there are other channels that play the role as well. Comcast has been an active participant and has rolled out thousands of NBA games. 

Therefore, there is a lot up for grabs when it comes to non-national TV schedules. In fact, these channels bring in the most NBA live game content apart from the NBA App. After one of its broadcasting partners has dwindled, this app will have more weight to carry.

A huge loss for 15 NBA Franchises

While Comcast holds a lot of sway in the market, it was outdone by Bally during the last media rights cycle. The broadcaster has the right to air around half of the NBA squads. However, its parent company Diamond Sports has been delaying payments. Because of that, as many as 15 franchises can be left without a cable TV broadcaster. 

The trouble is that while these teams will have live games on the NBA App, the linear network can take a hit. The league is searching for a TV broadcasting partner and it will be interesting to follow that hunt. However, for now, Bally Sports is under the pump. Tom Friend of the Business Sports Journal stated, “League executives say individual teams would have to recoup lost revenue through ad sales and direct-to-consumer streaming packages. And while the NBA would produce the games, teams would have to pay for production costs and negotiate a deal with their linear partners on the split of those costs”.

Despite having a net worth of $85 million, these delayed payments have left Franchises in flux. Finding a broadcasting partner at such short notice is tricky. NBA would love a more streamlined process during its next media deal.

NBA’s big plans with the media deal

The next media cycle is expected to generate a net profit of around $100 billion. This can change the NBA broadcasting landscape, which is still lagging a lot behind the NFL. Therefore, the league is attracting major players like Comcast, Apple TV, and others to bring in huge gains. Current rights holder Disney-owned ESPN can be a contender too.

The league’s fresh policy of not allowing two superstars who are below 35 to sit out the same game, is expected to increase the viewership. However, this policy can still have certain loopholes. What if a player plays for a short time to avoid a fine?

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Whatever may be the case, the league is set for another record-breaking viewership number next season.

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