The NBA announced an 11-year media rights deal with Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video on Wednesday after speculation. Earlier on Wednesday, the NBA announced that TNT’s company could not match other offers. Following this decision, TNT released a statement expressing its objection.
“We have matched the Amazon offer, as we have a contractual right to do, and do not believe the NBA can reject it,” TNT Sports 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. We will take appropriate action.”
This means the 2024–25 season will be TNT’s last after nearly four decades of broadcasting NBA games.
NBA Rejects Warner Bros. Offer
With the new 11-year media rights deal, Amazon Prime Video will carry games on Friday nights, select Saturday afternoons, and Thursday night doubleheaders. This opportunity arose after the league refused to accept Warner Bros. Discovery’s proposal.
“Warner Bros. Discovery’s most recent proposal did not match the terms of Amazon Prime Video’s offer, and, therefore, we have entered into a long-term arrangement with Amazon,” the league stated on Wednesday.
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The NBA shared that their primary objective in these negotiations was to maximize the reach and accessibility of games for fans.
“Our new arrangement with Amazon supports this goal by complementing the broadcast, cable, and streaming packages that are already part of our new Disney and NBCUniversal arrangements. All three partners have also committed substantial resources to promote the league and enhance the fan experience,” the league added.
As part of the new deal, Amazon’s package includes at least one game on Black Friday.
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