Now that the NBA is moving forward with its massive media rights deal with Amazon Prime Video instead of Warner Bros. Discovery, basketball coverage is expected to change significantly. It is officially the end of an era. Or is it?
TNT Sports is not going down without a fight, as it fires back at Commissioner Adam Silver and the league for what it considers to be a wrongful course of action.
“Given the NBA's unjustified rejection of our third-party offer, we have taken legal action to enforce our rights,” the network's public relations social media account issued in a statement. “We strongly believe this is not just our contractual right, but also in the best interest of fans who want to keep watching our industry-leading NBA content with the choice and flexibility we offer them through our widely distributed WBD video-first distribution platforms- including TNT and Max.”
This outcome seemed inevitable following TNT's previous response. It sought to exercise the right to match option in its current media deal, which expires after next season, but was instead rebuffed. The NBA claims that WBD's proposal did not actually match the terms of Amazon's offer.
Given the distinction between the two media platforms, it could be difficult for Warner Bros. Discovery to win a legal case. Silver and the NBA will argue that Amazon gives them advantages and accessibility to a younger audience that TNT cannot. Even so, many fans are disheartened by this development.
TNT's NBA coverage delighted viewers for more than 30 years
Hearing Kevin Harlan enthusiastically call a game and tuning in to witness the one-of-a-kind analysis of the legendary “Inside the NBA” crew has been a valued part of people's basketball-viewing experience for decades. Replicating that uniqueness and emotional connection should be an immensely challenging task.
Charles Barkley sounded off on the league's decision to split with WBD, accusing the NBA of having no intention of ever continuing its partnership with TNT Sports. As the farewells pour in next year, disappointment could turn into anger in households across America.
But the NBA will grow following this mega deal, which includes a continued partnership with The Walt Disney Company and a return to NBCUniversal. Amazon subscriptions are bound to substantially increase, as the majority of fans accept this big change.
Though, TNT is not just going to peacefully accept its fate. It will rage, rage against the dying of the light. For as long as it can, anyways.
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