Disney+ will show NBA games in the Philippines as the streamer leverages unique access to global sports markets

The GIST: This week, the NBA announced a new Disney+ deal that puts games on the platform in the Philippines. When Disney+ acquired exclusive European UEFA streaming rights in June, we predicted the possibility of Disney leveraging its global streaming access to start building a stable of sports media rights. Let’s dive in.

The details: Beginning today, Disney+ subscribers in the Philippines — home to one of the strongest international NBA markets — will have access to live NBA games, NBA events (such as the 2026 Draft), and some ESPN documentaries.

• Without easy NBA access, much of the league’s fandom in the Philippines has flourished over social media and cultural touchpoints such as murals and community tournaments. And the Asian sports market remains fragmented, something Disney+ could easily address with its reach across several key Asian markets.

The why: It may seem odd for Disney+ to begin pursuing international sports streaming rights, especially with the existence of ESPN+. But for now, only U.S. customers can access ESPN’s streaming platform. And while ESPN has extensive global reach through partnerships with local networks abroad, it’s not the same as having its sports content easily available on a streamer.

• And that’s the beauty of global sports on Disney+. The streamer doesn’t have the same restrictions, so leagues already working with Disney (i.e. all U.S. sports leagues, including the WNBA and NWSL) can tout their instant, unique access to global sports markets through Disney+.

What’s next: We’ve also theorized that Apple could similarly leverage its tech brand to pursue global sports rights, even though it’s primarily focused on its U.S. reach so far. But in an increasingly competitive streaming marketplace, companies should use their edge to snatch up global sports markets, especially in Asia.

• Sports fandom is booming across the continent, especially for European soccer leagues, MLB, and the NBA. It’s also surging across women’s sports like soccer (China and India are driving growth) and basketball, where the Women’s Basketball League Asia drew 2.7M viewers for its first-ever championship game. Ready to play ball.