Will ESPN’s New NBA and WNBA Deal Fuel Growth for ESPN BET?

01.08.2024

The Walt Disney Company and ESPN have finalized an 11-year extension with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Does ESPN Bet benefit from this transaction?

Expanded Digital and Global Reach

The Disney/ESPN-NBA/WNBA agreement, effective from 2025-26 through 2035-36 NBA seasons and 2026 through 2036 WNBA seasons, ensures ESPN’s continued role as the primary media rights partner for both leagues. Notably, ESPN will remain the exclusive broadcaster of the NBA Finals.

Starting in the fall of 2025, ESPN’s full package of NBA and WNBA live events and programming will be available on its upcoming direct-to-consumer platform.

Additionally, Disney’s international package of NBA and WNBA games will be streamable on digital platforms, including Disney+ in select markets, marking Disney’s most significant global sports expansion.

Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman commented on the agreement: “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. This includes 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.”

“Disney and ESPN have been part and parcel of the growth and coverage of the NBA over the past 22 years. We are eager to build on this terrific partnership, which is one of the league’s most extensive and longest-standing relationships,” added Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner.

Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner further highlighted the benefits of the agreement: “Our partnership with Disney has been instrumental to the growth of the WNBA and women’s basketball, as Disney networks have been the home of the WNBA since the league launched 28 years ago. We look forward to building on the incredible momentum we have accomplished together to enhance the visibility of the players and teams and providing more engaging experiences for our fans in the years to come.”

Implications for ESPN BET

The agreement also grants ESPN comprehensive rights to integrate NBA and WNBA content into its sports betting platform, ESPN BET.

“The new agreement provides ESPN with all necessary rights to create best-in-class sports betting experiences for NBA and WNBA fans. ESPN will have increased rights to utilize NBA and WNBA highlights and content within its sports betting coverage and to support or integrate into ESPN BET promotions. Furthermore, ESPN has secured the rights to future NBA-focused sports betting specials and series,” the press release stands.

Despite its great potential, ESPN Bet still faces challenges in the U.S. sports betting market. The operator needs a boost to stand out from the competition and more effectively utilize the available resources, whose potential continues to grow, as demonstrated by the agreement with the NBA and WNBA.