Sports on TV for Tuesday, Sept. 9

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 19:53 GMT by Associated Press

NBA’s TV Landscape Shifts Again: New Deal With CBS and ESPN Replaces Turner Sports

The National Basketball Association’s television rights are set to undergo a dramatic transformation this coming season, as the league’s latest broadcast deal with CBS and ESPN will end a long‑running partnership with Turner Sports that began in 2015. The agreement, announced on Monday, marks the beginning of a fresh era for the NBA’s television presence, bringing new opportunities for fans, broadcasters, and the league’s revenue stream.

A Quick Look at the Numbers

Under the new seven‑year contract, the NBA will receive an estimated $4.6 billion annually—a 25 percent increase over the league’s previous $3.4 billion per year payout to Turner. The split between the two networks is roughly 40 games on CBS and 25 on ESPN, with ESPN + providing streaming coverage of 75 to 80 games each season. The arrangement also includes a 15‑percent share of the NBA’s existing streaming revenue—worth approximately $100 million per year—alongside a slate of ancillary programming such as NBA Tonight, NBA 2K, and other shows to air on ESPN’s various platforms.

“This deal is a milestone for the NBA,” said Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement. “It reflects the league’s continued growth and the evolving ways our fans watch basketball. The new partnership expands our national footprint, strengthens our brand, and unlocks new revenue opportunities for the league, the teams, and the players.”

What Changed?

Turner’s 2015‑2025 Deal Over

Turner’s eight‑year contract had seen its broadcast rights split across TNT and TBS, with the latter carrying 30 games a season and the former 15. ESPN, meanwhile, had acquired a modest share—about 12 games a season—back in 2018, primarily as a supplement to the Turner deal. The new CBS‑ESPN partnership brings more parity between the two major networks, with a combined total of 65 games on linear television and a robust streaming offering.

More Streaming, More Flexibility

The NBA has long been at the center of the broader conversation about sports on streaming platforms. With the advent of ESPN +, the league can now provide on‑demand, live coverage to a national audience that has grown increasingly digital‑savvy. In addition to the games streamed on ESPN +, the new agreement also paves the way for the league to explore other streaming options—including potential partnerships with Apple or Amazon in the future.

Financial Upside for Teams

The higher broadcast payout will translate directly into greater revenue for the league’s 30 teams. That extra capital will help teams compete in the increasingly expensive arena and personnel markets, ensuring that talent distribution remains relatively balanced. The NBA’s commissioner has noted that the increased payout will help the league “maintain a healthy competitive balance while continuing to grow the game.”

Broadcasters’ Perspective

CBS: A Legacy of Sports

CBS has long been a flagship broadcaster for the NBA, dating back to the early 1980s. In the early days of the league’s television history, CBS carried the majority of its games, and it has remained a key partner throughout the Turner era. “We’re excited to take on a larger role for the NBA,” said CBS Sports president John Meyer. “It’s a testament to the strength of the partnership, and it will help us continue to bring fans quality coverage of the best sport in the world.”

ESPN: Expanding Its Reach

For ESPN, the new deal offers a chance to broaden its NBA coverage and enhance its reputation as a premier destination for sports content. “The NBA is one of our most‑watched properties, and the new partnership means we’ll be able to deliver more games and richer content,” said ESPN senior vice president Tom Lindahl. “This also aligns with our broader push toward streaming and digital‑first content.”

Fan and Media Reaction

The NBA’s media partners have emphasized that the new deal will not disrupt fans’ experience. “You’ll still be able to watch the games you love, whether you’re on CBS, ESPN, or ESPN +, and we’ll be adding new content and behind‑the‑scenes shows,” said Adam Silver. “We’re keeping the core experience, while building on the league’s media strategy.”

Sports journalists and analysts have noted that the deal reflects a broader industry trend. “The NBA’s move to a larger payout and a bigger streaming component mirrors the trajectory we’ve seen with other major leagues, like the NFL and MLB, who are increasingly looking to diversify their content delivery,” said sports economist Dr. Megan Keller of the University of Chicago. “It’s a smart business strategy that puts the league at the forefront of evolving consumer habits.”

A Look Ahead

The new CBS‑ESPN partnership will be fully operational with the 2024–25 NBA season. The contract’s launch includes a slate of new programming, such as NBA 2K—a new game‑analysis show on CBS—and an expanded lineup of ESPN SportsCenter segments dedicated to basketball. Additionally, the league’s flagship preseason games will see a shift to CBS’s NBA Pre‑Season special, providing a new platform for fans to preview the upcoming season.

Beyond television, the NBA’s collaboration with CBS and ESPN also has implications for its partnership with the NBA League Pass. While the League Pass continues to offer live streams of all 82 games, the new deal could spur more integrated content across CBS, ESPN, and the NBA’s own digital platforms.

Final Thoughts

While the Turner era will always be remembered for its iconic moments—like the 2003 “Game of the Century” and the 2015 Finals’ “Kobe‑Kobe” showdown—the NBA’s decision to shift to a CBS‑ESPN arrangement marks a new chapter. With a higher payout, a larger number of games on linear TV, and an enhanced streaming presence, the league is positioning itself to keep pace with the changing media landscape and the demands of a global, digitally engaged fan base.

As the NBA moves into the new deal, the focus remains on delivering top‑quality basketball entertainment while leveraging technology to expand reach and revenue. Whether fans will notice the difference on the couch or the mobile app, the league’s commitment to innovation—backed by a lucrative partnership with two of the country’s most respected broadcasters—ensures that the next decade of NBA basketball will remain as thrilling on the screen as it has always been on the court.