ABC will remain the exclusive network for the NBA Finals and both ESPN and ABC will combine for up to 44 postseason games, including the conference finals. ESPN will continue to air the draft, draft combine and draft lottery.
The New York Times reports the deal's value at $2.66 billion per year. ESPN's current relationship covering NBA games on television began in 2002, when the network won the rights from NBC. TNT has been covering the NBA since 1988.
Highlights of the enhanced rights in the deal:
• An established framework for ESPN and the league to negotiate the launch of a new "over-the-top" content offering on the mobile platform. Details will be announced at a later date;
• 10 additional regular-season games for ESPN or ABC, bringing the regular-season total to 100;
• 10 more exclusive regular-season windows;
• Increased team appearances to showcase the most popular teams and most compelling matchups more times throughout the season;
• Live, national rights to summer league and D-League games across ESPN entities;
• As part of the new agreement, ESPN will substantially increase its NBA-focused programming with 750 new hours of NBA content on linear and digital platforms for a significant year-round presence for the league on ESPN;
• ESPN International, in Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, will carry significantly more exclusive regular-season and playoff games on ESPN platforms, including expanded weekend windows during the regular season, increased first- and second-round playoff coverage and the NBA conference finals and NBA Finals (including exclusivity in Australia and New Zealand).
Also, ESPN announced a multiyear extension for WNBA rights through 2025, which will include increased in-progress highlights on linear and digital platforms.
