ESPN, TNT Score $24B NBA Renewals

ESPN and Turner Broadcasting System will pay some $24 billion over a nine-year term that will conclude with the 2024-25 season to air National Basketball Association games.

Reports indicate that ESPN, whose current contract averages $480 million, will pay about $1.4 billion for each year of the new deal, which includes the launch of an over-the-top systems outside of the pay-TV ecosystem. For its part, Turner will allocate some $1.2 billion per season, which features a new 12-game slate in the second half of the seasons, and more content for its Bleacher Report digital property. TNT spends some $440 million per season under its present contract.