Chicago, USA – On July 22nd, the American cable network TNT, which is part of Warner Bros. Discovery, submitted a bid to the NBA that matches Amazon’s proposal for broadcasting rights starting with the 2025-2026 season. This move aims to extend a relationship with the basketball league that has lasted for 40 years.
In an official statement, TNT announced, "We have reviewed the offers and matched one of them. This will allow fans to continue enjoying unique coverage, including the best live game productions and our iconic shows and commentators."
While TNT did not specify which offer they matched, U.S. media reports suggest that it pertains to Amazon Prime Video’s bid. The streaming giant reportedly made an offer of $1.8 billion to the NBA.
TNT’s bid comes at a time when the NBA seemed close to finalizing a television rights agreement with ESPN, Amazon, and NBC, potentially valued at around $76 billion over eleven years. This deal would end Warner Bros. Discovery’s long-standing relationship with the NBA, which has been a major part of the league’s television presence since 1988, featuring popular programs like "Inside the NBA" with Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith.
With the new agreements, the NBA hopes to rake in approximately $7 billion annually, which is 2.5 times more than their current agreement. For context, the NFL receives about $10 billion each season.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted back in June, ahead of the Finals, that streaming platforms represent a significant opportunity for the league. "Many of these streaming platforms, which were hesitant a year ago to invest in live sports events, are now getting on board. You can see where the attention is shifting; we are all moving towards premium programming on streaming platforms," Silver remarked.
He also highlighted that such platforms provide added functionalities, including different languages and camera angles, giving fans more options than traditional television. "There has been a rapid decline in cable usage," he added, emphasizing the changing landscape of sports broadcasting.
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