League revenue is expected to grow 12% compared to the previous cycle, driven by the new media contract valued at US$76 billion
Projects gross revenue of US$14.3 billion for the 2025/2026 season, with growth of 12% compared to the US$12.75 billion recorded in the previous cycle. The information was released this Wednesday (12.Nov.2025) by the specialized website
The increase comes as the league experiences a balanced start to the season and audience growth under a new broadcast deal with Amazon, ESPN/ABC e NBC.
MEDIA
The main driver of this growth is the league’s new media contract, valued at $76 billion over 11 years. The deal increases each team’s television revenue from $103 million to $143 million for the current season.
Values will rise by around 7% annually, allowing each franchise to receive US$281 million in the 2034-35 season, considering the maintenance of the current 30 teams.
REVENUES
In the 2024-25 season, the 30 NBA franchises produced approximately US$12.25 billion in total revenue, representing an average of US$408 million per club. Values include non-NBA events held at team arenas but exclude funds held by the league for investments and operations.
WARRIORS LIDERAM
The led in revenue with US$833 million, while the Memphis Grizzlies recorded the lowest revenue: US$301 million.
The numbers already consider the sharing system that transferred approximately US$400 million to teams in smaller markets, financed by high-revenue franchises and half of the resources from the luxury tax.
OTHER US LEAGUES
Compared to other North American sports leagues, the NFL generated $22.2 billion, MLB $12.75 billion, NHL $7.7 billion and MLS $2.2 billion.
Revenue specifically related to basketball, used to calculate the salary cap, was $10.25 billion last season. The value was negatively impacted by the unstable local media market and the presence of several small-market teams in the conference finals, affecting ticket revenue in the playoffs.
Because of these factors, more than $480 million has returned to teams from the escrow fund established to ensure a 51-49 revenue split between players and owners.
According to reviews from Sportythe average value of an NBA franchise is $5.51 billion. The number represents an increase of 20% compared to the previous year and 113% since 2022, when the average was US$2.58 billion.
The NBA has not released official statements regarding financial projections for the 2025-26 season.
