Bristol sports media giant ESPN said it has signed a nine-year agreement with the NBA that will allow it to air more regular-season games and increase its overall pro basketball content.
The deal, which begins in the 2016-2017 season, allows for 10 additional regular-season games for ESPN or ABC, both of which are owned by Walt Disney Co. ABC would remain the exclusive provider of finals broadcasts.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Disney has been paying $485 million a year under its existing contract, which expires in two years, according to the Wall Street Journal.
WSJ reported Sunday night that ESPN and the NBA were also planning to offer a new online service showing regular season games to those who are not cable customers, which the NBA’s “League Pass” platform requires.
ESPN only hinted at the new offering in its announcement, saying the NBA would take an equity interest in the product.
“By acquiring significantly more NBA content for both existing and yet-to-be created platforms, we will establish a vibrant, year-round NBA presence for fans,” ESPN President John Skipper said in a statement.
