The NBA is preparing to sell a package of streaming-only games under its next media rights package with the bidding to likely start at $1 billion per year.
The package is expected to attract the major streaming companies including Amazon and Apple.
Under the current deal signed in 2014, streaming comes under the league’s own media platforms, ESPN, TNT, and the various regional sports networks (RSNs) showing local games.
One source says Amazon would like an NBA package along with the NFL.
“Amazon is locked and loaded for a shot at the NBA,” said a source.
The NBA could sell a streaming package of 20-40 games during its 19-week regular season.
The NBA is set to come off its nine-year, $24 billion deal with Disney and Turner that pays $2.6 billion per year. With an additional $1 billion in streaming, the league could get close to $7 billion per year in annual rights fees.
