For months, we’ve all been wondering about the future of the relationship between TNT and the NBA. Things aren’t exactly clear now, but at least there seems to be a path forward with some direction.
The league reportedly agreed to a deal worth $76 billion between Amazon, NBC and ESPN for its broadcast rights. TNT was left out of the deal but, because of the previous broadcast agreement, retained matching rights on whatever contract the NBA agreed to.
TNT has reportedly decided to match Amazon’s bid to the NBA, according to reporting from The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand. The company also released a statement stating its intention to match the bid and retain the NBA.
TNT Sports' statement on NBA media rights: pic.twitter.com/PteJJKJO5x
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@TNTSportsUS) July 22, 2024
“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.
Though TNT has evoked its matching rights, it still isn’t a done deal that the NBA will return to the network after next season. Remember, TNT still retains the rights for the 2024-25 NBA season. The league’s new broadcast deal doesn’t kick in until the 2025-26 season.
The NBA reportedly intends to move forward with the Amazon deal, according to Marchand’s reporting. The agreed upon deal between the NBA and Amazon features things TNT wouldn’t be able to offer.
The league’s agreement with Prime Video will stream six conference finals and a full playoff slate on the streamer. The package also includes the Play-In games and the NBA’s In-Season tournament as the highlight of the regular season. It also would bring on Thursday night basketball following the NFL’s Thursday Night Football stint.
Now, Marchand says, the NBA has to negotiate with TNT. That could get messy.
“As a way to compromise, the two sides could try to reach an agreement that keeps TNT in the NBA business or gives it some sort of financial settlement to go away.
If the entities can’t agree, ultimately, they could land in court with TNT suing to stay in business with the league, which would set up the unique possibility of the courts forcing the NBA to remain with a partner it wants to divorce.”
We’re far away from a resolution now. There also seems to be a very real possibility this may go to court as it unfolds.
But as of now, there’s still a chance that the Inside the NBA show may still have some life beyond next season—even if the NBA doesn’t want that to happen.