The NBA has declined Warner Bros. Discovery’s last-minute attempt to retain some of the league’s broadcast rights, but Charles Barkley isn’t feeling it. Barkley is a member of Inside the NBA, the most popular show in sports, which would be nixed as the league moves on.
According to an official statement, the NBA found that WBD’s proposal “did not match the terms of Amazon Prime Video’s offer.” Consequently, the league has finalized a long-term agreement with Amazon, Disney, and NBCUniversal for its broadcast rights.
NBA announces that Warner Bros. Discovery did not match the terms of Amazon Prime and are agreeing to a longterm arrangement with Amazon. pic.twitter.com/5bYI2i1vFd
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 24, 2024
Following the announcement, Charles Barkley released a statement:
“Clearly the NBA has wanted to break up with us from the beginning. I’m not sure TNT ever had a chance. TNT matched the money, but the league knows Amazon and these tech companies are the only ones willing to pay for the rights when they double in the future. The NBA didn’t want to piss them off.
“It’s a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans. It just sucks.
“I just want to thank everyone who has been at Turner for the last 24 years. They are the best people and the most talent and they deserve better. I also want to thank the NBA and its fans — the best fans in sports. We’re going to give you everything we have next season.”
– Charles Barkley
Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT will continue to hold the rights through the 2024-25 season under the current contract. In response to the NBA’s decision, Warner Bros. released a statement on Wednesday, expressing its intent to take “appropriate action” after accusing the NBA of “grossly misinterpreting” its contract rights.
TNT Sports’ statement on NBA media rights: pic.twitter.com/9L3fiFXoDH
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@TNTSportsUS) July 24, 2024
This move marks a significant shift in the NBA’s broadcast landscape, positioning Amazon as a key player alongside established networks Disney and NBCUniversal. Warner Bros. Discovery faces the challenge of addressing the league’s interpretation of its contract.
The post Charles Barkley Shames NBA Owners and Commissioner for Choosing ‘Money Over the Fans’ in New Media Rights Deal first appeared on The Source.
The post Charles Barkley Shames NBA Owners and Commissioner for Choosing ‘Money Over the Fans’ in New Media Rights Deal appeared first on The Source.