NBA’s In-Season Tournament Success Attracts Major Streaming Services
Revolutionizing NBA Viewership
The NBA’s In-Season Tournament has exceeded expectations, generating significant interest among fans and broadcasters alike. Notably, the tournament has seen a remarkable 55% increase in viewership compared to the same period last season. This surge in popularity has caught the attention of major streaming platforms, including Netflix, valued at approximately $194 billion. The streaming giant, known for its successful docuseries in various sports, is now showing keen interest in the NBA’s latest venture.
Netflix’s Potential Foray into Live Sports
While Netflix has made a name for itself in the realm of docuseries, it has yet to venture into streaming live sports. The NBA’s In-Season Tournament presents an opportunity for Netflix to explore this new territory. Currently, ESPN handles the tournament’s coverage on Tuesdays and Fridays. However, if Netflix were to secure rights, it could become the sole streaming service for these games, marking a significant move for the company in live sports broadcasting.
The Appeal of Exclusive Rights
The NBA’s existing media rights deal with ESPN and Warner Bros Discovery (TNT) is valued at $24 billion. These agreements, nearly a decade old, have provided national TV coverage for the NBA, including regular season and playoff games. However, Netflix’s interest lies not in joining a plethora of broadcasters but in acquiring exclusive rights to the NBA In-Season Tournament. This approach aligns with Netflix’s strategy to own a small package of games that it can complement with original programming, making it more appealing than merely being one of several outlets broadcasting weekly games or playoffs.
A Win-Win for Netflix and the NBA
The successful numbers and popularity of the NBA In-Season Tournament represent a promising opportunity for a partnership with Netflix. Such a deal would not only be advantageous for Netflix but also for the NBA, as it would partner with a global streaming platform, potentially enhancing its viewership further. With the league’s negotiations set to start in March of the next year, there’s ample time for Netflix and other broadcasters to pitch their proposals to the NBA.
The NBA’s In-Season Tournament has opened new avenues for sports broadcasting, particularly in the streaming domain. The potential involvement of Netflix signals a significant shift in sports viewership and distribution, underscoring the growing influence of streaming services in the live sports broadcasting arena.
