When did the NBA on ABC first air a national broadcast?
The first national broadcast of an NBA game on ABC occurred on the 3rd of January 1965. This historic game featured the Boston Celtics and Cincinnati Royals.
Questions about NBA on ABC
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who secured the rights for the NBA on ABC in 1965?
Roone Arledge, head of ABC Sports, secured the broadcasting rights for $650,000 annually. The deal aimed to boost ratings against CBS Sports Spectacular.
What was the duration of the break between ABC broadcasts from 1973 to 2002?
ABC did not broadcast NBA games between the 10th of May 1973 and the 25th of December 2002. During this period, the network focused on college basketball and other sports properties.
How much did Disney Company and Turner Sports pay per season for the NBA on ABC deal signed in 2002?
ABC and ESPN paid an average of $400 million per season after the NBA signed a six-year deal with Disney Company and Turner Sports on the 22nd of January 2002. The agreement included rights to the NBA Finals, five playoff games, fifteen regular season games, and Saturday morning shows.
Which announcers formed the first all-black broadcast team for Game 1 of the 2022 Finals?
Mark Jones filled in for Mike Breen during Game 1 of the 2022 Finals making history as part of the first all-black broadcast team. Doris Burke served as sideline reporter alongside lead play-by-play announcer Mike Breen.