ESPN - NBA:
A Legacy of Innovation
1965
On January 3, 1965, ABC airs its first NBA broadcast.
1969
ABC televises Game 7 of Lakers vs. Celtics in prime time on a weeknight.
1970
ABC airs the 1970 NBA Finals in its entirety, making it the first Finals to have all games televised nationally.
1980
This Week in the NBA debuts on ESPN.
1982
October 31, 1982, ESPN begins televising 40-regular season and 10 playoff contests. “All games will be live and on Sunday evenings.”
1997
ESPN becomes the home of the WNBA in its inaugural season.
2002
On January 22, 2002, the NBA signs agreement with The Walt Disney Company that allows ABC and ESPN to broadcast 75 regular-season and 24 playoff games, plus the NBA Finals.
2003
On June 4, 2003, the NBA Finals return to ABC.
2004
On December 25, 2004, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat compete in the most-watched Christmas Day game on ABC.
2007
The Walt Disney Company, ESPN and the NBA expand its relationship with an eight-year rights extension highlighted by unprecedented digital content and a greater International presence.
2014
The Walt Disney Company, ESPN and the NBA reach a long-term, multi-platform rights extension, keeping ESPN as the NBA’s primary media partner.
2016
On January 23, 2016, ESPN launches the NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC series – the premier national game of the week.
2016
On June 19, 2016, Game 7 of the NBA Finals becomes the most-watched NBA game in ABC history with 31 million viewers.
2018
On December 5, 2018, ESPN launches its inaugural All-Access content initiative featuring the Toronto Raptors.
2019
On June 2, 2019, ESPN presents youth-focused alt-cast for Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
2020
The Bubble – The 2020 NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals are held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World.
2020
ESPN broadcasts inaugural NBA Play-In Tournament.
2020
Doris Burke became first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA Finals on national radio.
2020
The Last Dance, ESPN’s 10-part documentary series on the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan, averages 5.6 million viewers per episode. It becomes the most-watched documentary in ESPN history on its way to winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.
2021
On May 3, 2021, ESPN presents Marvel’s Arena of Heroes, a Marvel-themed alternate telecast.
2021
On April 14, 2021, ESPN airs its largest sports betting production with a Daily Wager Special alt-cast of the Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers matchup.
2022
On February 9, 2022, ESPN produces first NBA game broadcast on national scale led by all women on camera and in pivotal behind-the-scenes roles.
2022
On June 23, 2022, Malika Andrews makes history on the 50th anniversary of Title IX by becoming the first woman to host the NBA Draft.
2023
ESPN and ABC combine to broadcast the inaugural In-Season Tournament, including the championship game.
2023
First WNBA All-Star Game to Air on ABC in Primetime
2024
Doris Burke will become the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a men’s championship event in any major professional sport when she calls the NBA Finals on ABC.
2024
Most-Watched WNBA Draft Ever
2024
ESPN today announced a landmark, 11-year media rights extension with the NBA and WNBA. In doing so, ESPN extends its position as the primary partner of both leagues and remains the exclusive home of the NBA’s crown jewel, the NBA Finals. As this visual timeline underscores, ESPN’s legacy with the NBA and the WNBA is defined by innovation and growth.
2024
“As the media landscape continues to evolve, this forward-thinking agreement represents a significant and bold step in our mission to serve sports fans, anytime, anywhere, including opportunities to successfully navigate the global digital transition. Through a premium collection of regular- and post-season game rights, culminating with the NBA Finals and WNBA Finals, plus studio and original content initiatives, we look forward to building upon our legacy of innovation with the NBA and continuing to play an important role in the extraordinary growth trajectory of the WNBA.”
— Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN