The Memphis Grizzlies are gearing up for a financial whirlwind as the NBA’s new $76 billion TV deal impacts Grizzlies, promising a hefty cash influx. This burgeoning team, boasting young stars like Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, is about to see their value skyrocket. While Morant and Bane have already secured their bag, others like Jaren Jackson Jr. are next in line for a payday that could set records.
How the NBA’s New $76 Billion TV Deal Impacts Memphis Grizzlies
More Games, More Fame
The NBA’s latest TV deal, worth a staggering $76 billion, kicks in for the 2025-26 season. With broadcasting giants ABC, ESPN, NBC, and Amazon’s Prime Video on board, this 11-year agreement is set to revolutionize viewership. The deal means an explosion of televised games – from just 15 to a whopping 75 on broadcast TV alone. NBC will air up to 100 games, while Prime Video will showcase 66. This translates to unprecedented exposure for the Grizzlies, a crucial boon for a team that doesn’t enjoy the big-market clout of the Lakers or Knicks.
Ja Morant’s Magic
Ja Morant’s meteoric rise is set to go stratospheric. His jersey is already a bestseller, and more national airtime could solidify his status as a global icon. For Memphis, a team that thrives on a fast-paced, electrifying style of play, this TV deal could draw international fans, boosting both the team’s and the city’s profile.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: The Next Mega Deal?
Jackson Jr. is poised to be the next Grizzlies star to cash in. Eligible for a supermax extension next offseason, he could potentially secure a five-year deal worth a jaw-dropping $318 million. To achieve this, he must make an All-NBA team or win Defensive Player of the Year. If he does, he would become the highest-paid player in NBA history. Such a contract would inevitably lead to a hefty tax bill for Memphis, but the new TV deal’s impact on the salary cap could make it manageable. The collective bargaining agreement allows for a maximum 10% increase in the salary cap annually, aligning perfectly with the projected revenue surge.
Regional Sports Networks: Uncertain Future
The fate of regional sports networks (RSNs) like Bally Sports remains in limbo. Bally’s parent company, Diamond Sports Group, entered a Restructuring Support Agreement in 2024 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy the previous year. While Knicks owner James Dolan criticized the RSN model as “unviable,” recent developments suggest a glimmer of hope. Diamond Sports Group struck a deal with Xfinity, effective August 1, allowing customers to access Bally Sports games. This move, coupled with Amazon’s investment in providing services on Prime Video, could stabilize RSNs for now.
The NBA’s new TV deal is a game-changer, particularly for teams like the Memphis Grizzlies. This financial boost comes with challenges, such as managing star salaries and navigating the uncertain future of RSNs. However, the increased exposure and potential for higher revenues present a golden opportunity for growth. The Grizzlies, with their dynamic young core, are poised to become a powerhouse, both on and off the court.
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