Looks like the “Inside the NBA” swan song is around the corner. NBC and Amazon have secured a landmark deal with the NBA to carry games, in a significant shift from previous arrangements.
This mega deal follows TNT’s last ditch efforts to retain its broadcast rights. Although TNT’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, claimed it matched Amazon’s offer, the NBA disagreed and opted for Amazon’s 11-year, $1.8 billion annual contract.
Here’s what the NBA said in a statement:
”Warner Bros. Discovery’s most recent proposal did not match the terms of Amazon Prime Video’s offer, and therefore, we have entered into a long-term arrangement with Amazon. Our new arrangement with Amazon supports our goal by complementing the broadcast, cable, and streaming packages that are already part of our new Disney and NBCUniversal arrangements. All three partners have also committed substantial resources to promote the league and enhance the fan experience.”
Get this, TNT Sports responded by asserting its contractual right to match offers and accused the NBA of misinterpreting their agreement. Sounds like legal entanglements are en route but who’s to say. But TNT certainly vowed to take appropriate action while continuing to broadcast the NBA on TNT and Max.
NBC’s return to NBA coverage marks a notable comeback, having previously carried NBA games from 1990-2002. Breaking down the coverage, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon will all hold broadcast rights starting with the 2025-26 season. ESPN and ABC will retain primary coverage, including the NBA Finals.
Amazon’s new package is robust and desirable. It includes rights to six conference finals over the 11-year contract, the NBA Cup, play-in games, and Thursday night regular season games post-NFL coverage. This differs from TNT’s current package, which features Tuesday and Thursday night games, All-Star weekend, and playoff games through the Western Conference finals.
Despite the new deals, TNT will continue to broadcast NBA games through the 2025 Western Conference finals. At least they have a little while to go before the hammer comes down.
“Inside the NBA,” hosted by Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal, remains a staple of TNT’s coverage. Johnson has indicated he won’t leave TNT, while Barkley has considered various options, including retirement. That would be unfortunate for a lot of fans who really tune in just to see those guys talk shop and have fun.
The post NBA’s Landmark Agreement with Amazon Prime and NBC Reportedly Not Matched by TNT in Announcement From League first appeared on The Source.
The post NBA’s Landmark Agreement with Amazon Prime and NBC Reportedly Not Matched by TNT in Announcement From League appeared first on The Source.