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NBA ad sales increase by $580 million in first year of media deals

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 6:30 PM

Last updated Aug 19, 2026

NBA ad sales increase by $580 million in first year of media deals

Summary

NBA ad sales surged by $580 million in the 2025-26 season, totaling $2.11 billion compared to $1.53 billion the previous year. This 38 percent rise is attributed to the new 11-year, $76 billion media agreements with ESPN, NBC, and Prime Video. More games aired on broadcast television significantly boosted national exposure, with regular-season viewership averaging 1.78 million. The NBA plans to increase its broadcast schedule further, aiming for 71 games in the upcoming season. Year 2 of these deals will provide improved metrics for ad revenue trends.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•NBA ad revenue reached $2.11 billion in 2025-26.
•Regular-season games on broadcast TV rose from 24 to 62.
•Postseason ad sales increased to $988 million, up 27 percent.
•ESPN sold $256 million in ads during the Knicks' five-game Finals.
•NBA plans 71 games on broadcast channels for the next season.

Latest Updates

6:30 PMYahoo Sports — NBA ad sales skyrocket $580M during first year of new media deals

What they're saying

"
The second-order effects of the NBA’s new 11-year, $76 billion media deals are coming into focus. And in a welcome piece of news for the league’s three media partners — ESPN, NBC, and Prime Video — NBA ad sales were through the roof in Year 1 of the new deals. According to a report by…
— Yahoo Sports

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