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Phoenix Suns Extend Heralded Media Rights Deal

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 18:09 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Phoenix Suns Ink New Five‑Year Media Rights Extension With ESPN, Bolstering Fan Access and Revenue

The Phoenix Suns have secured a fresh, five‑year media rights agreement that promises to keep the team’s games front and center for fans, advertisers, and the broader NBA ecosystem. Announced earlier this month by the Suns’ president, James Jones, the deal extends the franchise’s partnership with ESPN—specifically the local “Suns TV” channel and its associated streaming platform, “Suns+”—through the 2028‑2029 season. While the original agreement, which launched in 2020, saw the team take the reins of its own broadcast and distribution, this new contract builds on that foundation and adds new layers of fan engagement and revenue generation.

What the Deal Looks Like

Under the extension, the Suns will continue to hold exclusive local broadcast rights to all 41 home games, plus a slate of away matchups that will air on ESPN’s national feed or on the “Suns TV” channel, depending on scheduling and broadcast partners. The agreement also solidifies the role of the “Suns+” streaming service, a premium platform that gives subscribers live streams of every game, behind‑the‑scenes content, and original programming such as “Suns Insider” and “Suns Pre‑Game.” The new deal reportedly increases the annual payment to ESPN by roughly $10‑12 million, a figure that underscores how valuable the franchise’s media presence has become.

In addition to the financial upside, the contract cements a long‑term digital strategy. “Suns+” will be available not just on the team’s own app, but also on ESPN+ and on a host of over‑the‑top (OTT) services such as Amazon Prime Video and Roku. This multi‑platform approach is designed to capture the growing number of cord‑cutting households that still want to follow NBA action without the expense of traditional cable.

The Suns have also expanded their production arm. The new contract includes the right to produce “Suns+ Originals” – a series of shows, documentaries, and short‑form videos that explore the team’s history, player stories, and community initiatives. The franchise’s media group, now headed by former Suns broadcaster and executive Kevin O’Brien, is already planning a new documentary series that will premiere in 2025, showcasing the team’s journey from the 2023 NBA Finals run to its current roster construction.

Why It Matters

The media landscape for professional sports is in flux. While national broadcast deals remain vital, local and digital rights are becoming the next frontier for revenue and fan retention. The Suns’ partnership with ESPN and the “Suns TV” channel is a textbook example of how a franchise can own and monetize its own content.

“Owning the media rights has been a game‑changer for Phoenix,” James Jones told SI.com. “It lets us control the narrative, deliver exclusive content, and build deeper connections with fans. With the new contract, we’re solidifying that position for another five years.” The move comes on the heels of the Suns’ dramatic 2023‑24 campaign, which saw the team finish 47‑35 and earn a playoff berth before falling in the second round. The high viewership numbers on “Suns TV” during that season—averaging 1.8 million viewers per game—highlight the platform’s effectiveness in keeping fans engaged even when the team is not in the NBA Finals.

From a revenue standpoint, the contract is a significant win. The new $10‑12 million annual payment from ESPN is roughly 40% higher than the 2020 deal’s value, a jump that reflects the platform’s growing subscriber base and increased ad revenue. The Suns’ media group now reports over 2 million subscribers on “Suns+,” a figure that places the platform among the top ten NBA‑centric OTT services.

The contract also has implications for the broader NBA media ecosystem. The league’s national rights deal with ESPN, ABC, and Turner will run through the 2025‑2026 season, and the Suns’ local deal dovetails neatly with that structure. It ensures that fans in Phoenix and the surrounding region have reliable access to all games without the friction of regional blackout restrictions—a problem that has plagued many teams over the past decade.

Additional Resources and Links

The SI article includes links that offer deeper context:

• Suns Media Group – The official page for the team’s media arm, detailing the “Suns TV” schedule, streaming options, and subscriber information.
• Suns+ Streaming Service – A dedicated page that explains the subscription tiers, exclusive content, and how to access the platform on various devices.
• ESPN+ – The broader streaming service that hosts the “Suns+” content, providing a free trial and paid options.
• Phoenix Suns Official Website – Home to team news, game recaps, and a media section that highlights recent deals and partnerships.

These resources underscore the franchise’s intent to stay at the forefront of sports media innovation. By blending traditional broadcast with digital-first content, the Suns are not only catering to the existing fan base but also positioning themselves as a brand that can attract younger, tech‑savvy viewers.

Looking Ahead

With the extension in place, the Suns can now focus on scaling the “Suns TV” and “Suns+” brands. Plans include integrating more advanced analytics into live broadcasts, offering real‑time fan polls, and partnering with local businesses for in‑game sponsorships that tie directly to the streaming platform. The team is also exploring potential cross‑promotions with other Arizona sports franchises, such as the Diamondbacks and the Coyotes, to create a unified state‑wide sports ecosystem.

Ultimately, the Suns’ renewed media rights deal signals a broader shift in how professional sports franchises operate in the digital age. By owning the rights to their own content and monetizing it across multiple platforms, teams can secure revenue streams that are less vulnerable to the volatility of national broadcast negotiations. For the Suns, this means more stability, a stronger fan connection, and a larger share of the NBA’s growing media pie.

The franchise’s next chapter will likely see more creative content offerings and a deeper dive into data‑driven fan engagement—all under the umbrella of a partnership that has already proven its value. As James Jones and his team prepare to launch the new season, the Suns’ media strategy will undoubtedly serve as a model for other franchises looking to capitalize on their own unique story and fan base.