The NBA made a difficult decision yesterday, announcing that they will be moving forward with the original 11-year, $76 billion TV rights deal including NBC, Disney, and Amazon Prime, leaving Warner Brothers Discovery on the outside looking in.
Inevitably, this means next season will be the last season of NBA on TNT. The highly syndicated, entertaining NBA pre-and post-game shows have been on television for over 35 years.
NBA fans were devastated by the news; however, this outcome seemed inevitable.
There will never be another show like Inside the NBA on TNT 💔
— Mink Flow (@currypistonn) July 24, 2024
When WBD responded within their five-day window, it was reported that the match was a puncher’s chance. It seems as if it didn’t connect. Commissioner Adam Silver explained why partnering with an online streaming service like Amazon was essential as the NBA grows globally.
“The digital opportunities with Amazon align perfectly with the Global interest in the NBA,” Silver said in a statement. “And Prime Video’s massive subscriber base will dramatically expand our ability to reach our fans in new innovative ways.”
WBD believes that the NBA misinterpreted their matched offer, and they believe that the NBA made a mistake in a statement.
“We have matched the Amazon offer, as we have a contractual right to do,” WBD said in a statement.
“In doing so, they are rejecting the many fans who continue to show their unwavering support for our best-in-class coverage, delivered through the full combined reach of WBD’s video-first distribution platforms.”
TNT Sports’ statement on NBA media rights: pic.twitter.com/9L3fiFXoDH
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@TNTSportsUS) July 24, 2024
The other day, the potential of Amazon’s customer base reaching 200 million viewers was mentioned, while WBD only draws 87 million on linear cable. It’s a business decision that had to be made that may affect the NBA’s culture. But those tears will dry up as they make nearly 7 billion dollars per season from broadcasting the sport.
It was reported that Amazon would try to go after the Inside The NBA cast and sign them to their network. Most don’t think That Ernie Johnson will leave WBD. However let’s see if there is a way they can persuade to keep Charles Barkley from retiring, anything is possible.
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