On Wednesday, The Walt Disney Company and ESPN announced that it had reached a landmark 11-year extension with the NBA and WNBA for media rights that will be in effect from the 2025–2026 season through the 2035–2036 season.
The renewal continues Disney’s longstanding position as the primary rights partner of the NBA and WNBA and the exclusive home of the NBA Finals — the league’s crown jewel event. It also fuels ESPN’s evolution as the preeminent sports digital platform and leverages unmatched depth and scope of Disney’s brands.
We spoke with Rosalyn Durant — ESPN’s Executive Vice President of Programming & Acquisitions — about the new agreement, why it matters, and what it means for the future of ESPN.
I’ll start with a simple question: Why was it important for ESPN to renew its rights with the NBA and the WNBA?
The NBA and the WNBA are premium content that attracts a young, diverse fanbase and resonates globally, making it a pillar of ESPN’s overall content strategy. These rights are significant in fueling our digital future, including our flagship direct-to-consumer offering that launches in Fall 2025, which happens to be when this new rights term begins.
ESPN has also really invested in the WNBA. What do you think the future of ESPN and the WNBA looks like?
We have worked very closely with the WNBA since its inception to grow its league and brand and have seen a paradigm shift in its popularity in recent years with more games than ever on ABC, the most-watched WNBA Draft, and triple-digit viewership increases for games and shows. WNBA is a critical component of this agreement, as we have well established our commitment to women’s sports. We lead because we believe in it. I see the future of the WNBA on ESPN and ABC as one of tremendous growth and innovation.
ESPN and the NBA and WNBA have had a stellar relationship for decades, so how does this new rights deal strengthen that relationship?
We have a longstanding and highly successful partnership with the NBA dating back to 2002 and WNBA dating back to its launch in 1997. We work in concert with the league to maximize the partnership and have built tremendous relationships, and it goes beyond ESPN. We, The Walt Disney Company, partnered with the NBA on the COVID “Bubble” at Walt Disney World Resort in 2020. There is no better example of the strength of our brands together. If we could do that, we can do anything. We’re excited to have 12 years ahead of us — including one more on the current deal — to build on our legacy of innovation with the NBA and to continue playing an instrumental role in the tremendous growth of the WNBA.
ESPN nabbed the “A package,” which includes premiere games as well as the NBA Finals. However, is there anything about this new deal that should be getting more attention?
In addition to being the home of the NBA Finals with the most robust rights package of any league partner, I believe it’s crucial to underscore that the rights we’ve acquired to this premium content will play a vital role in our future. Fans will be able to watch all our NBA and WNBA content on our flagship direct-to-consumer product. Additionally, this is a true Disney deal that will facilitate first-of-their-kind collaborations between NBA and both Marvel and Walt Disney World Resort. No one else can do that.
How does ESPN help the NBA and the WNBA — or, to put it another way, why do the NBA and WNBA want to be in business with ESPN?
We’ve long established that ESPN is the most connected sports media brand to fans. The reach is unparalleled and when you consider the global reach of The Walt Disney Company, it makes our organization very attractive to leagues. I also believe deeply that our people are difference-makers. Their dedication, creativity, and innovation have helped the NBA and WNBA grow, expand, and reach new heights.
What excites you most about the new NBA/WNBA deal?
I’m excited for our people. I know how hard so many employees worked to reach this agreement. The effort was outstanding, and I’m both appreciative and proud of them. Beyond that, the NBA is part of the fabric of ESPN. It is a key pillar and marquee property, and we’re thrilled to continue this relationship deep into the future.