The NBA is reportedly considering a massive deal for its next domestic broadcast cycle after their exclusive negotiating window is set to expire with Turner and ESPN. The league seeks to diversify its media partners and tap into the growing popularity of streaming platforms. In a groundbreaking move, $194BN worth of streaming giant, Netflix has ‘shown interest’ in acquiring broadcasting rights for NBA In-Season tournament games, as reported by Sports Business Journal. 

This move could mark a significant shift in the sports broadcasting landscape. 

Netflix aims to bid for NBA media rights 

Netflix’s potential entry into the live sports broadcasting arena comes as a surprise, given its previous stance. The company has consistently denied interest in live sports. Citing the high costs and short lifespan of sports rights compared to the global scale and longevity of entertainment content. Netflix has avoided advertisement-heavy content till now. But after a significant drop in viewership last year, it has prompted a change of heart.

The success of sports-themed documentaries and docuseries on Netflix has also resulted in renewed interest in the NBA. As per the reports, Netflix is also considering making docuseries on the NBA In-Season games. A content format that they have already experimented with and achieved great results. 

Netflix has seen huge success with docuseries like ‘Drive to Survive’ and ‘Break Point’. The behind-the-scenes look at the F1 racing in Drive to Survive’, has become a word-of-mouth success story. Similarly, ‘Break Point’ offers a rare, insightful glimpse at the world of professional tennis. The series has been well-received by audiences.

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Other potential media partners interested in acquiring rights 

The NBA’s current media rights deal, worth $24 billion, is set to expire after the 2024-25 season. The league is reportedly eyeing a massive $75 billion deal for its next rights cycle. 

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Incumbents ESPN and Warner Bros Discovery are keen to renew their deals. And NBC has signaled its intent to bid for the rights too. Apple, Amazon, and Google are also linked to buy the media rights. The NBA contemplates creating a streaming-specific package of matchups to achieve revenue targets and attract younger audiences.

However, the league is also conscious of having too many partners, which could make it difficult for fans to find live games. The NBA plans to use its official app and website as a centralized hub to direct users to the relevant platform.

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