The Walt Disney Company and ESPN have announced a landmark 11-year extension with the NBA and WNBA, ensuring that Disney remains the primary media rights partner from the 2025–2026 season through the 2035–2036 season. This renewal solidifies Disney and ESPN’s exclusive position as the home of the NBA Finals and continues their commitment to delivering premium sports content.
Related: ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Forming Joint Streaming Sports Service in the U.S.
Key Highlights of the Renewal
- Exclusive NBA Finals Coverage: Disney retains exclusive rights to broadcast the NBA Finals, maintaining its position as the go-to destination for one of the league’s most prestigious events.
- Comprehensive Rights Package: ESPN secured the “A package,” including premiere games, further enhancing its extensive NBA and WNBA coverage.
- Digital Expansion: This deal supports ESPN’s evolution into a leading sports digital platform, leveraging Disney’s brand depth and launching a direct-to-consumer offering in Fall 2025.
According to Rosalyn Durant, ESPN’s Executive Vice President of Programming & Acquisitions, renewing the NBA and WNBA rights was crucial due to the leagues’ global appeal and young, diverse fanbase. The NBA and WNBA are integral to ESPN’s content strategy, driving the network’s digital future and flagship direct-to-consumer product.
ESPN’s investment in the WNBA has seen significant growth, with more games on ABC, record viewership for the WNBA Draft, and substantial increases in game and show audiences. This new deal underscores ESPN’s commitment to women’s sports, promising tremendous growth and innovation for the WNBA.
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The new agreement builds on decades of collaboration between ESPN and the NBA (since 2002) and the WNBA (since its inception in 1997). Durant highlighted the strong relationship, emphasizing the collaboration during the 2020 NBA COVID “Bubble” at Walt Disney World Resort as a testament to their successful partnership.
The renewed rights deal will also enable first-of-their-kind collaborations between the NBA, Marvel, and Walt Disney World Resort, showcasing Disney’s unique ability to integrate its various brands and create unparalleled fan experiences.
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