*The NBA recently agreed to a $76 billion broadcast rights deal with Amazon, NBC, and ESPN, excluding TNT. However, TNT retains matching rights from a previous agreement and has chosen to match Amazon’s bid, aiming to keep the NBA on its network.
We reported earlier that NBCUniversal has outpaced TNT in securing the broadcast rights to the NBA through a successful bid. The bid encompasses a “Basketball Night in America” program, mirroring its NFL Sunday counterpart, “Football Night in America.”
“NBC has made their bid, and they’re not budging,’’ a media industry source said, Sports Business Journal reports. “So it’s over, right? And Warner Bros. is saying, ‘We’ll match it,’ and (Commissioner Adam Silver) is probably saying: ‘It’s not matched.’ ’’
TNT announced its intention to match the offer, emphasizing its commitment to high-quality game productions, USA Today reports. The NBA’s new broadcast deal starts in the 2025-26 season, while TNT still holds rights for the 2024-25 season. The NBA plans to move forward with Amazon, which offers features TNT cannot.
Amazon’s deal includes streaming six conference finals, a full playoff slate, Play-In games, the NBA’s In-Season tournament, and Thursday night basketball. The NBA must now negotiate with TNT, which could lead to legal disputes if no compromise is reached.
TNT Sports’ statement on NBA media rights: pic.twitter.com/PteJJKJO5x
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@TNTSportsUS) July 22, 2024
TNT released a statement stating its intention to match the bid and retain the NBA.
“We have reviewed the offers and matched on of them. This will allow fans to keep enjoying our unparalleled coverage, including the best live game productions in the industry and our iconic studio shows and talent, while building on our 40-year commitment for many more years,” the statement read.
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