Warner Bros. Discovery has informed the NBA that it intends to match Amazon’s $1.8 billion annual offer to broadcast a package of the league’s games. This move sets up a dramatic bid by TNT’s parent company to retain its rights to air NBA games as its current contract nears expiration.
“We have reviewed the offers and matched one of them,” TNT Sports stated, confirming the submission of matching paperwork to the league on Monday. “Our new contract submission is now with the NBA for execution.”
This development follows the NBA’s recent agreements with Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video for a reported $76 billion over 11 years. Notably absent from these deals was Warner Bros. Discovery, which currently broadcasts NBA games on TNT and its Max streaming service.
The NBA’s approval of these deals initiated a five-day window for Warner Bros. Discovery to match competing offers. Despite NBC’s significant bid surpassing Warner Bros. Discovery’s current fees, Warner Bros. Discovery emphasized its right to match, including Amazon’s new package covering regular season and playoff games.
An NBA spokesperson confirmed receipt of Warner Bros. Discovery’s proposal and stated the league is reviewing it. Whether the NBA will accept Warner Bros. Discovery’s matching offer, originally intended for a streaming partner, remains uncertain. Warner Bros. Discovery has hinted at potential legal action if its offer is declined.
The uncertainty surrounding these negotiations has raised concerns within Warner Bros. Discovery, particularly regarding Turner Sports’ long-standing relationship with the NBA and the future of its popular “Inside the NBA” show.
In their statement, TNT underscored that matching Amazon’s deal ensures fans will continue to enjoy top-tier game coverage and iconic studio shows, reinforcing their commitment built over 40 years.
These multimillion-dollar deals signify a significant shift for both the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighting the competitive landscape for sports rights in the streaming era. Despite challenges from digital platforms like Netflix, live sports, such as the NBA, remain crucial for media giants like Warner Bros. Discovery.
As discussions unfold, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remains cautious about the outcome, stating, “Much of it is outside my control. We’ll see.”
