The 2025-26 NBA season Opens an unprecedented shift in how fans access and experience games. After two decades, the NBA returns to NBC, Amazon Prime Video joins as a major broadcasting partner, and ESPN continues with its hallmark coverage Praise.[1][2]
Amazon Prime Video’s Innovative NBA Broadcast Features and Schedule
Amazon Prime Video debuts its NBA coverage with 66 regular-season games, including the exclusive SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, Emirates NBA Cup knockout stages, and select playoff series. The innovative LED studio features a full regulation half-court made of LED screens enabling augmented reality visuals enhancing game analysis. The analyst team—Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin, Steve Nash, and Udonis Haslem—bring depth and clarity focused on basketball tactics and strategy.
Key points about Amazon coverage include:
- 66 regular-season games including Thursday doubleheaders
- Exclusive rights to the NBA Play-In Tournament and phases of the Emirates NBA Cup
- 4K broadcast quality with cutting-edge virtual court visuals
- Top-tier commentators such as Ian Eagle, Kevin Harlan, and Candace Parker
- Interactive features including “Odds View” and multiple camera angles
These innovations position Amazon Prime Video as a leader in next-generation basketball broadcasts.[2][11][12]
NBC’s Comprehensive Return and Expanded NBA Coverage Role
After 23 years away, NBC resumes NBA broadcasting with 100 regular-season games, flagship Tuesday night doubleheaders called NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesdays, plus Sunday Night Basketball beginning February 2026. Their rights include significant playoff coverage, All-Star Weekend, and prominent holiday game slots. Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, complements broadcast games with Monday night streams.
NBC’s renewed broadcast offerings include:
- 100 regular-season games on NBC and Peacock combined
- Flagship Tuesday and Sunday night coverage plus opening night games
- Comprehensive playoff coverage including one conference finals series in six of eleven years
- Revival of NBA Showtime pregame under new branding
- Spanish-language NBA broadcasts on Telemundo Deportes
This return blends nostalgic appeal with modern quality and multiplatform availability.[13][14][15][16]
ESPN and Inside the NBA: Maintaining Premier Studio Presence
ESPN continues its NBA legacy with approximately 80 regular-season games and exclusive rights to the NBA Finals. The iconic studio show Inside the NBA, licensed to ESPN starting 2025-26, maintains its high entertainment and analysis value featuring original and new personalities like Tim Legler, Mike Breen, and Richard Jefferson.
Key ESPN elements include:
- Over 80 regular-season games on ESPN and ABC
- Exclusive NBA Finals coverage
- Inside the NBA studio show on ESPN and ABC
- Emphasis on star narratives combined with tactical analysis
ESPN remains vital but faces increased competition from Amazon and NBC’s evolving broadcast approaches.[17][18][19]
| Day | Broadcaster(s) | Coverage Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Peacock (NBC streaming) | Two games under Peacock NBA Monday doubleheader |
| Tuesday | NBC Broadcast + Peacock Streaming | NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesdays doubleheaders |
| Wednesday | ESPN | Star matchups mid-week |
| Thursday | Amazon Prime Video | Thursday doubleheaders, exclusive features |
| Friday | Amazon Prime Video / ESPN | Mixture of NBA Cup and regular games |
| Saturday | ABC / Amazon Prime Video | Weekend coverage with multiple options |
| Sunday | ABC / NBC | Sunday Night Basketball, marquee matchups |
This offering increases nationally televised games substantially, improving access across broadcast and streaming platforms.[3][1][2]
The NBA’s media agreements with Amazon Prime Video, NBC, and ESPN represent a fundamental shift in how fans watch games. With increased national coverage, innovative broadcast technology, and diverse platforms, the 2025-26 season offers unprecedented access and enhanced viewing experiences. While further updates may refine specifics, the foundational media landscape changes set a new standard for NBA broadcasting.
