Key Sports Media Rights Deals

Sports media rights deals are crucial in shaping how fans access their favorite games. These agreements, worth billions, impact broadcasting and streaming options across major leagues, enhancing viewer engagement and transforming the landscape of sports journalism.

1. NFL's TV and streaming deals with CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and Amazon

   • The NFL's media rights agreements are among the most lucrative in sports, totaling over $100 billion for a 11-year period starting in 2023.
   • CBS, NBC, and Fox continue to broadcast traditional games, while ESPN and Amazon Prime Video have secured exclusive rights for Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football, respectively.
   • The deals include provisions for streaming, allowing fans to watch games on various platforms, enhancing accessibility and viewership.

2. NBA's national broadcast agreements with ESPN/ABC and TNT

   • The NBA's media rights deal, valued at approximately $24 billion over nine years, includes extensive coverage on ESPN/ABC and TNT.
   • ESPN/ABC broadcasts the NBA Finals, while TNT is known for its popular "Inside the NBA" show, which enhances viewer engagement.
   • The agreements also include digital streaming rights, allowing fans to watch games on platforms like ESPN+.

3. MLB's national TV contracts with Fox, TBS, and ESPN

   • Major League Baseball's media rights agreements, worth around $12.4 billion over seven years, cover regular-season games, playoffs, and the World Series.
   • ESPN holds exclusive rights to Monday Night Baseball and the Home Run Derby, while TBS broadcasts the National League playoffs.
   • The contracts include provisions for streaming, with MLB.tv offering fans access to live games.

4. NHL's media rights deal with ESPN and Turner Sports

   • The NHL's recent media rights agreement, valued at $1 billion per season, marks a return to ESPN after a 17-year absence.
   • Turner Sports has secured rights to broadcast games on TNT and TBS, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Finals.
   • The deals emphasize digital streaming, with ESPN+ offering exclusive out-of-market games.

5. FIFA World Cup broadcasting rights

   • FIFA's media rights for the World Cup are sold globally, with agreements worth billions, including a significant deal with Fox Sports and Telemundo in the U.S.
   • The rights cover both the men's and women's tournaments, with increasing emphasis on digital platforms for global reach.
   • The agreements often include extensive pre- and post-game coverage, enhancing viewer engagement.

6. Olympic Games media rights

   • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) sells broadcasting rights globally, with NBCUniversal holding the U.S. rights through 2032 for approximately $7.75 billion.
   • The agreements cover both Summer and Winter Games, with a focus on expanding digital coverage through platforms like Peacock.
   • The rights deals often include extensive highlight packages and behind-the-scenes content to engage audiences.

7. UEFA Champions League broadcasting agreements

   • UEFA's media rights for the Champions League are highly sought after, with CBS Sports securing exclusive U.S. rights for a reported $1.5 billion over six years.
   • The agreements include extensive coverage of matches, highlights, and digital streaming options through Paramount+.
   • The Champions League is one of the most prestigious club competitions, driving significant viewership and advertising revenue.

8. Premier League's domestic and international TV deals

   • The Premier League's media rights agreements in the UK are valued at over £9 billion for a three-year cycle, with Sky Sports and BT Sport as primary broadcasters.
   • Internationally, the league has lucrative deals in various markets, significantly increasing its global footprint.
   • The agreements include provisions for streaming, allowing fans to access matches through various digital platforms.

9. NCAA March Madness broadcasting rights

   • The NCAA's media rights for March Madness are valued at approximately $8.8 billion over 14 years, primarily held by CBS and Turner Sports.
   • The agreements cover the entire tournament, including the Final Four and Championship game, with extensive coverage across multiple platforms.
   • The rights include digital streaming options, allowing fans to watch games on NCAA March Madness Live and other platforms.

10. College Football Playoff media contracts

    • The College Football Playoff (CFP) media rights deal, valued at $7.3 billion over 12 years, is primarily held by ESPN.
    • The agreement includes exclusive rights to the semifinals and the national championship game, significantly boosting ESPN's college football programming.
    • The contracts also emphasize digital streaming, with games available on ESPN+ and other platforms, enhancing accessibility for fans.