Here's what the NBA's new media deal means for hoops fans
The NBA announced a new media deal late Wednesday that would end its long-standing relationship with TNT, while adding and restarting partnerships with Amazon and NBC — expanding the reach of professional hoops but potentially posing new access issues to fans.
The NBA announced a new media deal late Wednesday that would end its long-standing relationship with TNT, while adding and restarting partnerships with Amazon and NBC — expanding the reach of professional hoops but potentially posing new access issues to fans.
Starting in the 2025-2026 season, existing partner ABC and its sister network ESPN will now share broadcast rights with Amazon Prime Video, NBC and the NBCUniversal-owned Peacock. The league is seeking to wind down its 35-year tie-up with TNT, although it is now facing a lawsuit from TNT's parent, Warner Bros. Discovery, as it does so.
Barring a dramatic last-minute change, all of this means the upcoming 2024-2025 season will be the last to feature the popular "NBA on TNT" broadcast. Co-anchor and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said last month he would retire from TV following this season.
“Our new global media agreements with Disney, NBCUniversal and Amazon will maximize the reach and accessibility of NBA games for fans in the United States and around the world,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “These partners will distribute our content across a wide range of platforms and help transform the fan experience over the next decade.”
Comcast’s NBCUniversal is the parent company of NBC News.
Rating: 5