Report: NBA nearing TV deal that could pay more than $2 billion per year

The NBA has long been expected to cash in once its current television deal expires in 2016, and according to Sports Business Journal, talks between the league and its TV partners are progressing on a new deal that could see ESPN and Turner combine to pay over $2 billion per year for the Association's TV rights.

The current eight-year deal, which began in 2007, saw ESPN and Turner combine to pay the NBA $7.5 billion total over the life of the deal - less than $1 billion per year.

Citing sources, Sports Business Journal reports that the lucrative new deal could also run for eight or nine years. "ESPN and Turner executives made it clear that they wanted to stay in business with the NBA," write John Lombardo and John Ourand.

According to the report, a new deal could be struck before the start of this season, though there may be a sticking point if the NBA decides to follow the NFL's path and looks to sell their live streaming rights separately.