ABC and NBC Expand NBA Game Coverage by 11 Matchups
ABC and NBC Add 11 NBA Matchups to Broadcast Schedules
MORE NBA ON TV
Illustration concept: A television broadcast control room with monitors displaying live professional basketball game footage alongside television programming screens, cinematic editorial photography.
AI summary
ABC and NBC are adding 11 more NBA games to their broadcast lineups this season, allocating roughly 33 hours of airtime to live sports coverage. This shift comes at the expense of traditional scripted entertainment, reducing broadcast slots available for original series and reruns.
Why this matters
The expansion of live sports broadcasts highlights the growing reliance of legacy television networks on unscripted, real-time events to hold viewer attention. As live games absorb prime broadcast real estate, Hollywood studios and TV producers face diminishing airtime for original dramas, comedies, and syndicated reruns.
Key takeaways
- ABC and NBC are adding 11 extra NBA games to their broadcast lineups this season.
- The added sports coverage accounts for approximately 33 hours of airtime.
- Original scripted programming and series reruns will lose broadcast time slots to the live games.
Major television networks ABC and NBC are expanding their sports coverage by adding 11 additional National Basketball Association games to their lineups this season, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter.
The programming change will redirect approximately 33 hours of broadcast airtime toward live professional basketball. The decision highlights an ongoing strategic pivot by broadcast networks to lean heavily into live athletic events that command engaged live audiences.
To accommodate the expanded sports calendar, traditional entertainment offerings will face cutbacks. Time slots previously reserved for original scripted series and rerun programming are being displaced to make room for the games.
This trend poses continued challenges for standard Hollywood TV productions, as networks increasingly favor live sports over traditional episodic television during prime broadcast hours.
Frequently asked questions
- How many extra NBA games are ABC and NBC broadcasting this season?
- The networks are adding 11 additional NBA games to their current seasonal broadcast schedule.
- How much airtime will the additional games take up?
- The expanded game coverage will occupy approximately 33 hours of broadcast television time.
- Which television programs will lose airtime due to these changes?
- Original network scripted shows and rerun programming will lose scheduling slots to accommodate the live games.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Original publication:
- Aug 14, 2026, 1:13 PM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 14, 2026, 1:13 PM
- Updated:
- Aug 14, 2026, 1:16 PM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
Related stories
PITT VOWS BOND ENDURES
Brad Pitt Vows Connection With Children Remains Intact
AI summaryHollywood actor Brad Pitt has affirmed his commitment to his children shared with former spouse Angelina Jolie, maintaining that their connection cannot be severed. Reports indicate Pitt has largely remained on the sidelines of their lives following a high-profile airplane incident that precipitated the couple's split.
DIRECTORS SAY NO TO HBO
Directors Reject HBO Harry Potter Over JK Rowling Trans Views
AI summaryDirectors Ally Pankiw and Kate Herron announced on social media that they declined directing opportunities for HBO's upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation. Both filmmakers cited author J.K. Rowling's public stance on transgender issues as their primary reason for refusing to join the project.
LUCY DAVIS THANKS FANS
Lucy Davis Thanks Fans After Incurable Cancer Diagnosis
AI summaryActress Lucy Davis has shared her gratitude for the overwhelming support received after disclosing her incurable cancer diagnosis. Known for her role in The Office, she thanked well-wishers for their kindness during this challenging period.
DESIRE ON FILM
Ann Oren Explores Human Desire in Unconventional Film Objet a
AI summaryDirector Ann Oren has unveiled her new feature film, 'Objet a,' which takes its name from Jacques Lacan's psychoanalytic concept regarding the root cause of desire. According to Variety, the project explores an eccentric spectrum of visual subjects that provoke psychological and sensory fascination.