Expansion, Disruption and the Growing Business of the NBA

What will define the NBA’s next season—and reshape its media business? Did the new national rights deal deliver? Yes. Broadcast networks and streaming platforms generated strong viewership, with NBC, ESPN, ABC, Peacock, and Prime Video each playing distinct roles. Prime Video stood out for reaching younger, more affluent audiences, while NBC benefited from high-profile matchups and major-market teams. What does this mean for the NBA’s media strategy? The league is emphasizing broad distribution across broadcast, cable, and streaming, including expanded coverage of “Inside the NBA” and continued experimentation with technology and betting-related data. Could expansion be next? Las Vegas and Seattle are leading candidates in the United States, while NBA Europe could launch as early as 2027, potentially creating a 16-team international competition. Is the US regional sports network model finished? The collapse of Main Street Sports is accelerating a shift toward free over-the-air broadcasts, direct-to-consumer streaming, and hybrid local-rights agreements. The episode also explores MSG Sports’ planned separation of the Knicks and Rangers as stocks and features predictions for the NBA Finals. More S&P Global content: The Business of Sports US prediction market trades are predominantly sports-based Featured experts: Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan. Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan. Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Credits: Host/Author: Mike Reynolds Producer/Editor: Sarah James www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence