NBA Expands Broadcast Schedule, Impact on Original Programming Uncertain

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced its 2026-2027 schedule, which includes an expanded slate of games for its broadcast network partners.

More Games on Broadcast TV

NBCUniversal and ABC will air a total of 90 games combined, up from 79 last season. This means more than 270 hours of broadcast television will be reprogrammed from original programming to live NBA games.

The result is a win-win for the league and the networks: The NBA wants as much exposure as possible, while the networks benefit from predictable ratings.

However, this shift also has consequences for Hollywood's creative class. With more airtime going to live sports, original programming is being squeezed out, leading to lower residuals for creatives.

The trend is part of a broader consolidation in the entertainment industry, with major deals like Paramount's $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery further reducing opportunities for creators.

As streamers push into live sports, there's risk that the creative class could be crushed. The NBA deals are locked in for another decade, while the NFL and other leagues strategize for their own cuts in the next few years.

The impact is already being felt, with Bob Iger's post-Disney project focusing on the Los Angeles Lakers. It remains to be seen how this trend will play out, but one thing is certain: the future of Hollywood's creative class is uncertain.