With a crucial deadline fast approaching, TNT declared on Monday that it has submitted a matching offer to maintain its NBA broadcast rights and expressed its commitment to continue producing the beloved studio show “Inside the NBA.”
The NBA has yet to respond. According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, TNT’s offer matches the new 11-year, $1.8 billion annual contract the NBA has with Amazon. The NBA reportedly prefers to honor the Amazon deal, indicating a potential decline of TNT’s offer, which could lead to a three-way confrontation among the involved parties.
TNT’s statement emphasized their dedication to their “iconic studio shows” but did not mention Amazon. “We have reviewed the offers and matched one of them,” the statement read. “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 proven 40-year commitment for many more years.
“Our matching paperwork was submitted to the league today. We look forward to the NBA executing our new contract.” TNT has held NBA broadcast rights for 35 years. Under the guidance of Warner Bros. Discovery and CEO David Zaslav, TNT did not secure a new deal during an exclusive negotiating window but retained the right to match competing offers, which it exercised on Monday.
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic suggests that TNT’s move could lead to various outcomes. The NBA and TNT might reach a new agreement to keep the league on the network, or they could negotiate a settlement that results in TNT stepping away. Failure to agree could result in a legal battle.
If TNT targets Amazon’s deal, it paves the way for NBC’s return to NBA coverage. NBC broadcasted NBA games from 1990-2002. ESPN and ABC will retain the league’s primary package, including NBA Finals coverage, told Sporting News.
Amazon’s contract with the NBA differs from TNT’s current arrangement. TNT airs games on Tuesday and Thursday nights during the regular season, All-Star weekend, and playoff games through the Western Conference finals. Amazon’s deal includes rights to six conference finals over the 11 years, the NBA Cup (formerly the in-season tournament), play-in games, and Thursday games during the regular season after their NFL coverage.
The current NBA broadcast deals extend through the next season, ensuring TNT will air the league’s games through the 2025 Western Conference finals. Beyond that, the future of TNT’s NBA coverage and “Inside the NBA” remains uncertain.
Hosted by Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal, “Inside the NBA” is a staple of NBA culture, cherished by players and fans alike. Johnson has stated he won’t leave TNT if the network loses NBA rights, while Barkley’s position has been more variable. Barkley has hinted that his production company could take over the show and has also vowed to retire from broadcasting at the end of next season in separate statements.