Disney and ESPN Reach 11-Year Media Rights Extension with NBA, WNBA

The Walt Disney Company and ESPN have announced a new 11-year extension for the media rights of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Disney and ESPN Reach Deal for NBA, WNBA Media Rights

An NBA basketball player holds a championship trophy aloft, surrounded by teammates, staff, and spectators celebrating on the court. ESPN

This “landmark” deal will be in effect from the 2025-2026 through 2035-2036 NBA seasons and the 2026-2036 WNBA seasons. As part of the deal, ESPN will continue being the primary media rights partner of the two basketball leagues, as well as the exclusive home of the NBA Finals.

One season remains on the current agreement. Today’s announcement of the new deal was shared by ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

A basketball player in a black jersey dribbles the ball while guarded by a player in a white jersey on a brightly lit court with an NBA logo, reminiscent of ESPN's high-energy broadcasts.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, this forward-thinking agreement represents a significant and bold step in our mission to serve sports fans, anytime, anywhere, including opportunities to successfully navigate the global digital transition. Through a premium collection of regular and post-season game rights, culminating with the NBA Finals and WNBA Finals, plus studio and original content initiatives, we look forward to building upon our legacy of innovation with the NBA and continuing to play an important role in the extraordinary growth trajectory of the WNBA.

Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN

ESPN’s full offering of NBA and WNBA live events and programming will be available to stream on the network’s upcoming direct-to-consumer platform, scheduled to launch next fall. The sports network will also continue its rights to NBA Playoffs and regular-season live event packages. ESPN will also exclusively broadcast five WNBA Finals series during the 11-year extension.

An NBA basketball player in a white Celtics uniform dribbles past a player in a blue Mavs uniform on the court during a game, showcasing skills that keep fans and ESPN viewers on the edge of their seats.

A new initiative stemming from this deal will begin with the 2025-2026 NBA season, allowing Disney’s international package of basketball games to be available for streaming on its digital platforms, including Disney+, in select markets around the world.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

This deal will also facilitate a formal “first-of-its-kind” ongoing collaboration between the NBA and Disney areas of businesses, including Marvel Studios and Walt Disney World Resort. NBA and Marvel will team up on custom content for younger fans featuring Marvel’s library of characters and environments, and the NBA will have a dedicated presence at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex located at Walt Disney World Resort.

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