After four decades of partnership, Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT Sports and the NBA will break up their relationship. Also, despite this breakup, NBA fans desire TNT back with the NBA League. Especially Inside the NBA show hosted by Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal.
As the media world advances, more people are switching to streaming services for their favorite shows. The NBA League observed this trend and those who believed that moving forward with Amazon’s deal should help NBA fans access matches across the world. What could be TNT Sports’ next move?
TNT Sports’ Next Move
Now that the NBA League games won’t premier on TNT Sports, the Warner Bros. Discovery wouldn’t go down without a fight. The Amazon deal will commence in 2025-2026 and will span for 11 years worth 77 billion dollars. Therefore, TNT has one more year to say farewell to their fans. On the other hand, Warner Bros. Discovery could sue the league.
The NBA League explained that the WBD offer “did not match” Amazon’s and therefore the league won’t move forward with WBD in the future. Also, the NBA front office revealed its objective as the league partners with Amazon long-term. They believed this new partnership would “maximize the reach and availability” of their game to the NBA fans. Thus with that said, Amazon matches the NBA objective more. Also, the NBA expressed in their statement that “they [Amazon] are already part of our new Disney and NBCUniversal arrangements.” Finally, the NBA’s final objective to improve their fans’ experience aligns with Amazon’s offer.
TNT and its fans couldn’t believe that after decades of cordial relationship, the League would disregard their new media rights offer. Also in their statement on X TNT believed they matched Amazon’s offer and deserved the long-term partnership. TNT went further to say they would “take appropriate action” as the NBA League “grossly misinterprets” their long-term contractual right. Finally, when TNT and the NBA signed their last deal streaming wasn’t part of the deal; this is why these former partners could end up in court
How Does This Affect Other NBA Media Rights?
If TNT Sports and the NBA go to court, this would affect the league’s future investments and media rights deals. Comcast will soon complete their deal to air NBA and WNBA games. Therefore, over 11 years of broadcast, NBC will possess six conference finals coupled with more playoff and All-Star games. Also, during the regular season, Peacock will have Monday night doubleheader and Tuesday regular season games and NBC will have showcases on Tuesdays and Sundays. Finally, All USA Basketball for senior men and women will air in this broadcast.
Also, Disney, the parent company of ABC and ESPN, will be the home of the NBA Finals and should have 10 out of 11 conference finals through the course of 11 years coupled with 80 regular season games. Also, the broadcast will maintain NBA Draft events and increase their offer to 2.6 billion dollars. ESPN chairman, Jimmy Pitaro, expressed in a statement that:
As the media landscape continues to evolve, this forward-thinking agreement represents a significant and bold step in our mission to serve sports fans, anytime, anywhere, including opportunities to successfully navigate the global digital transition.
Finally, Amazon, the NBA’s new partner will have part of the games played in the two rounds of the playoff series, six conference finals and play-in tournament games, a new game on Black Friday, and NBA Cup knockout rounds. The Global Head of Sports for Prime Video, Jay Marine, expressed that he’s grateful to add the NBA right to their sports catalog. Also, Prime Video plans to improve and innovate its viewer’s experience as they kick off in 2025.
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