NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The NBA’s First Broadcast Deal
NBA Headquarters – CEO's Office
Nathan Cole sat at his desk, reviewing the latest reports on the NBA's development. Across from him, Louis Carter, the newly appointed Vice President of the NBA, sat with a serious expression.
"Mr. Cole," Louis began, adjusting his glasses. "A professional league can't exist without teams. Right now, we don't have a single one."
Nathan chuckled. "Who told you that?"
Louis frowned in confusion.
Nathan leaned forward. "The NBA already has 30 teams. They are set up in different cities and divisions, just like in my vision.
For example:
The New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, sharing the same arena.
The Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, and more.
Even an international team—the Toronto Raptors."
Louis blinked in surprise.
Nathan continued, "Right now, the players for these teams are in training camps, preparing for the NBA's inaugural season this October."
Louis took a deep breath, his mind racing.
He had assumed the NBA was still in its infancy—a league with no teams, no players, and no structure.
But Nathan had already built everything before the first game had even tipped off.
After a brief silence, Louis asked another question. "Mr. Cole, what's the profit target for the NBA? Are we aiming for $500 million? $1 billion?"
Nathan smiled. "The NBA doesn't have a fixed profit target."
Louis looked puzzled.
Nathan explained, "The role of the NBA isn't just to make money. It's to coordinate and manage the 30 teams, ensuring the league runs smoothly.
The NBA handles:
Brand development
Sponsorships and partnerships
Negotiating with TV networks
Organizing and promoting games
Handling public relations and media
Revenue comes from:
Ticket sales
TV broadcast rights
Online streaming deals
Merchandising and sponsorships
"The NBA operates as a shared business model.
51% of the revenue goes back to the teams.
49% is retained for league operations, growth, and expansion."
Louis nodded, now understanding that the NBA was structured as a business empire, not just a sports league.
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The Birth of Five-on-Five Basketball
Nathan turned his computer screen toward Louis and played a video of an NBA game.
In the footage, players sprinted down the court with speed and precision.
A towering No. 13 jersey player caught a pass in the paint, two defenders closing in on him.
With a powerful leap, he slammed the ball through the hoop, dunking over both defenders.
On the next possession, the opposing team worked flawlessly in unison, passing the ball with precision.
A wide-open shooter from beyond the arc pulled up for a three-pointer—swish!
Louis watched, mesmerized.
Until now, basketball in this world had been limited to three-on-three, with players relying purely on individual skill.
But this?
This was an entirely different game.
The fluid movement, team strategy, and high-paced action made five-on-five far more exciting.
After a long silence, Louis murmured, "I always thought basketball was just a three-a-side sport. But this... this five-a-side basketball is on another level."
Nathan smirked. "Now you understand why the world needs the NBA."
Then, he slid a USB drive across the desk.
"This drive contains the best footage of our games.
Take it to the top broadcasting companies—NBC, CBS, ABC, TNT, and ESPN.
Show them what real basketball looks like."
Louis picked up the USB, his grip firm.
"I won't let you down."
Nathan nodded. "Good. Because this will be the biggest deal of your career."
---
August – The NBA Secures Its First Broadcast Deals
Weeks later, the sports world was shaken.
Breaking News: The NBA signs a $200 million, one-year TV deal with ESPN.
At the press conference, ESPN President James Pitaro and NBA Vice President Louis Carter stood together, holding the signed contract.
Louis spoke confidently:
"The NBA is here to deliver the greatest basketball the world has ever seen. Our partnership with ESPN will bring this exciting new league to millions of fans."
The announcement shocked the industry.
Then, another bombshell dropped.
TNT finalized a $200 million, one-year contract with the NBA.
Two major networks had already secured broadcasting rights before the league had played a single game.
But Nathan wasn't finished.
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September – More Networks Join the NBA
By early September, the NBA had finalized deals with all three major U.S. networks—CBS, ABC, and NBC.
Each signed a one-year, $200 million contract to air NBA games.
The total TV revenue?
A staggering $1 billion.
The sports world erupted with questions.
Who was this mysterious NBA league?
How had it suddenly landed billion-dollar deals with the biggest television networks?
And why were so many companies betting big on this league?
Meanwhile, the three-on-three basketball leagues were collapsing.
Ratings were at an all-time low.
Suddenly, fans and investors were turning toward this new NBA league, desperate to understand what made it different.
The biggest question in everyone's mind was:
"What is the NBA League? And why does it feel like the future of basketball?"