In a high-stakes battle for NBA media rights, TNT has until Monday to match NBC’s $2.2 billion or Amazon’s $1.8 billion bids. This decision could reshape the landscape of sports broadcasting for the next decade.
The NBA’s current media rights deal, which includes TNT, ESPN, and ABC, is set to expire after the 2024-25 season. The new deal, valued at $76 billion over 11 years, has attracted significant interest from major players in the broadcasting and streaming industries.
NBC, which hasn’t partnered with the NBA since 2002, is making a strong comeback with a $2.2 billion annual bid. This deal would see NBC broadcasting NBA games on Tuesday and Sunday nights, as well as streaming games on its Peacock service on Mondays. NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting is seen as a nostalgic move, rekindling memories of its iconic NBA coverage in the 1990s.
Amazon Prime Video is also vying for a piece of the NBA action with a $1.8 billion bid. Amazon plans to broadcast NBA games on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and host the NBA’s in-season tournament. This move aligns with Amazon’s strategy to expand its sports streaming portfolio, which already includes NFL games.
TNT, a long-time NBA partner, is now at a crossroads. Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT’s parent company, is grappling with significant debt, making it challenging to match the hefty bids from NBC and Amazon. However, TNT’s deep-rooted association with the NBA and its popular “Inside the NBA” show could motivate the network to find a way to stay in the game.
If TNT fails to match the bids, it could mark the end of an era for the network’s NBA coverage. This shift would not only impact TNT’s viewership but also the broader sports broadcasting landscape. NBC’s return and Amazon’s entry could introduce new dynamics and competition, potentially benefiting viewers with more diverse and innovative coverage.
