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The outlet reported sources saying the
streaming service is set to become an NBA destination platform
with the contract beginning with the 2025-26 season expected to
feature both regular-season and playoff games.
Meanwhile, Puck reported Friday that the league and long-time
partner ESPN have "essentially come to terms" on a new agreement
that keeps the network in possession of exclusive rights to the
NBA Finals.
Both agreements are expected to be at least 10 years in
duration.
Another long-time league partner, TNT, is not likely to be left
out in the cold, though it reportedly faces a challenge from
NBA/Peacock. TNT, as well as ESPN, reportedly have the right to
match any offer.
The Athletic said the NBA, Amazon and ESPN declined comment.
The league's current nine-year contracts with ESPN and TNT are
set to expire after the 2024-25 season.
With fewer games included in the new deals - one estimate has
ESPN moving from 100 games to 80 and TNT aimed for a similar
reduction - the NBA cleared the way for a third partner now
likely to be Amazon Prime Video.
The Athletic report suggested Amazon's regular-season games
could land on Thursday nights, a natural fit because Amazon has
NFL games on Thursdays from September through early January.
The Street reported the NBA is likely expecting to double the
$2.7 billion annual average that it has been receiving from ESPN
and Turner.
-Field Level Media
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