Dallas, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Retired NBA guard Patrick Beverley has addressed complaints regarding the high costs of watching live NBA games following the league’s new national TV broadcast rights deal. Estimates suggest that NBA fans could spend up to $982 per season on various streaming services. Beverley argues that the increase in viewing costs aligns with broader entertainment spending trends, urging fans to consider sports viewing similar to movie and series subscriptions. With changes to the NBA’s broadcasting partners, fans may need multiple subscriptions to access games, prompting discussions on the value of watching live sports.
Nationwide
Retired NBA guard Patrick Beverley has challenged fans and media who complain about the rising cost of watching live NBA games under the league’s new national TV broadcast rights deal, and industry estimates show substantial new expenses for viewers. A report estimates that the average NBA fan could spend up to $982 per season to watch live games through various services, and the league’s new rights agreements shift large portions of national coverage to several streaming and broadcast partners.
Key developments and cost estimates
Retired NBA guard Patrick Beverley questions fans and media complaints about the cost of watching live NBA games due to the league’s new TV deal. Beverley compares the viewing of sports to that of movies and TV shows, suggesting fans should pay similar fees. He cites Netflix series, specifically “Peaky Blinders,” as a model for exclusive viewing experiences that require payment. Beverley expresses that the increase in streaming and cable costs is not solely a basketball issue but rather a reflection of broader entertainment spending habits. Beverley’s viewpoint reflects a broader discussion about the rising costs of sports viewership compared to traditional entertainment consumption.
Under the NBA’s new TV deal, which takes effect this upcoming season, coverage is shared among new partners including ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime, while some local games continue to be aired on local cable networks and “free-to-air” channels. The new deal leads to NBC’s return as a partner and a new partnership with Amazon Prime. Previously longtime partner TNT will exit the NBA broadcast landscape, shifting some of its talent to ESPN. The full weekly schedule for NBA games includes airings on multiple platforms, showcasing extensive coverage throughout the week. Notable new analysts joining the coverage include Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, and Udonis Haslem, alongside established talents from previous networks.
Estimated viewing cost breakdown
A report estimates that the average NBA fan could spend up to $982 per season to watch live games through various services. The breakdown of estimated costs includes $720 for an 8-month cable/streaming package, $88 for Peacock services, $72 for Amazon Prime Video, and an optional $102 for NBA League Pass. These figures illustrate how multiple subscriptions and services can combine to raise the cost of following live sports for a season.
Why this matters now
The NBA’s new national TV broadcast rights deal will result in the league earning billions from its broadcasting partners, and the distribution of rights across multiple platforms changes where and how fans must subscribe to see games. The shift includes NBC’s return and a new partnership with Amazon Prime, while a longtime national partner departs the broadcast landscape. For viewers, that means national windows will be split among several networks and streaming platforms, and local carriage arrangements will continue to affect access to some games.
For fans who previously relied primarily on a single cable package or one national network, the new arrangement may require subscriptions to several services to maintain the same level of access. The combination of national rights fees, streaming packages, and optional league subscriptions is driving the debate over value and affordability of live sports in an increasingly fragmented media environment.
Context and broader trends
The discussion around NBA viewing costs sits within a wider entertainment trend in which high-demand content is increasingly tied to paywalled streaming platforms. Beverley frames the conversation by comparing sports viewing to the way audiences pay for certain TV series and films, and the example of subscription-only series underscores a wider shift in how consumers pay for media. As rights deals move more content to streams and the number of platforms grows, households face decisions about which services are necessary to meet their viewing priorities.
What to watch next
Beginning this season, fans should review the league’s weekly schedule and the distribution of games among ESPN, NBC, Amazon Prime, local cable networks and free-to-air channels to determine which subscriptions are needed. The arrival of new analysts and the return of major broadcast partners will reshape national presentation, while local games and blackouts will continue to affect the standalone value of league- and team-level subscriptions.
FAQ
Q: What did Patrick Beverley say about complaints regarding viewing costs?
A: Retired NBA guard Patrick Beverley questions fans and media complaints about the cost of watching live NBA games due to the league’s new TV deal.
Q: How does Beverley compare sports viewing to other entertainment?
A: Beverley compares the viewing of sports to that of movies and TV shows, suggesting fans should pay similar fees.
Q: Which example did Beverley use for exclusive paid viewing?
A: He cites Netflix series, specifically “Peaky Blinders,” as a model for exclusive viewing experiences that require payment.
Q: What are the estimated seasonal costs for the average NBA fan?
A: A report estimates that the average NBA fan could spend up to $982 per season to watch live games through various services.
Q: What does the cost breakdown include?
A: The breakdown of estimated costs includes $720 for an 8-month cable/streaming package, $88 for Peacock services, $72 for Amazon Prime Video, and an optional $102 for NBA League Pass.
Q: What changes does the new TV deal bring to national partners?
A: The new deal leads to NBC’s return as a partner and a new partnership with Amazon Prime. Previously longtime partner TNT will exit the NBA broadcast landscape, shifting some of its talent to ESPN.
Q: What broader point did Beverley make about costs?
A: Beverley’s viewpoint reflects a broader discussion about the rising costs of sports viewership compared to traditional entertainment consumption.
Key features and estimated costs
| Feature | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 8-month cable/streaming package | $720 |
| Peacock services | $88 |
| Amazon Prime Video | $72 |
| Optional NBA League Pass | $102 |
| Estimated total per season | $982 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ESPN: NBA TV Rights Deal 2025-26
- New York Times: NBA ESPN-TNT Deal
- CBS Sports: NBA Stars in Media Roles
- Sports Illustrated: Ranking NBA Teams on National TV
- USA Today: Inside the NBA’s New TV Deal
- Wikipedia: National Basketball Association
- Google Search: NBA viewership costs
- Google Scholar: NBA media rights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Basketball Association
- Google News: NBA TV deals
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
