TNT Sports Matches Amazon's Offer, Preserving NBA Presence

Amidst ongoing negotiations, TNT Sports has announced its decision to exercise its matching rights to continue broadcasting NBA games under a new 11-year deal, countering Amazon Prime Video's recent media rights acquisition.

The National Basketball Association's (NBA) future with TNT Sports has taken a dramatic turn as the network has opted to match Amazon Prime Video's 11-year media rights deal to continue airing the league's games. This move, announced by TNT Sports in a statement, is an assertion of its longstanding partnership with the NBA and a determined effort to retain its place in broadcasting the league's marquee events.

"We're proud of how we have delivered for basketball fans by providing best-in-class coverage throughout our four-decade partnership with the NBA," TNT Sports declared in its statement.

TNT Sports Matches Amazon's Offer, Preserving NBA Presence

The network's determination to extend its relationship with the NBA was evident in its proactive approach throughout the negotiation process, submitting strong bids that were deemed fair by both parties. However, the league's decision to accept other offers for the games in TNT's current rights package prompted the network to invoke its matching rights provision.

TNT Sports' matching paperwork was duly submitted to the league, with the expectation that the NBA will execute a new contract. However, reports suggest that the league is considering declining the network's right to take the agreed-upon Amazon package, potentially setting the stage for a legal battle.

TNT Sports Matches Amazon's Offer, Preserving NBA Presence

While TNT Sports remains optimistic about the league's eventual execution of the new contract, the broader media landscape for the NBA is undergoing a significant transformation. NBC is expected to join ABC/ESPN as a new partner, acquiring regular-season games for exclusive airing on Mondays via Peacock, with additional broadcasts on Tuesdays and Sundays on NBC. The network will also hold rights to the NBA All-Star Game and select playoff games.

ESPN, a longtime partner of the NBA, will maintain its exclusive coverage of the NBA Finals each year and secure rights to conference finals matchups throughout the 11-season deal. Furthermore, ESPN, NBC, and either Amazon or TNT will collectively pay a staggering $2.2 billion for WNBA media rights over the same period.

TNT Sports Matches Amazon's Offer, Preserving NBA Presence

Amazon's deal with the NBA is expected to include six conference finals among its extensive playoff package, which also encompasses the NBA Play-In Tournament. Additionally, it will feature a regular-season package and "Thursday Night Basketball," which will air following the conclusion of "Thursday Night Football" during the NFL season.

The battle for the NBA's media rights has sparked a range of reactions, with basketball fans expressing delight over TNT Sports' decision to match Amazon's offer, particularly due to the network's popular pre- and post-game "Inside the NBA" studio show, hosted by Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny "The Jet" Smith.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on regular fans' accessibility to NBA games. Charles Barkley, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and outspoken analyst, has previously criticized the structure of the NBA's media rights deal, expressing concerns that high streaming costs could limit viewership for those who rely on traditional television.

The NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, has acknowledged the ongoing negotiations and the uncertain future of the league's media rights landscape. As the league carefully considers its options, the basketball world awaits the official announcement of new media rights deals, which will not only shape the financial landscape of the NBA but also determine how fans access and enjoy their favorite sport for years to come.