NBA news: More than a few NBA fans were delighted to hear the news about TNT deciding to match Amazon’s $1.8 billion bid for media coverage beyond the 2024-25 season. The general belief was that this development would secure TNT’s rights to cover the NBA for the foreseeable future, which also means that shows like Inside the NBA will remain on air.
As it turns out, this will not be the case.
NBA News: TNT Claps Back at League’s Decision
In a shocking turn of events, the league announced on Wednesday that they have decided to reject TNT’s offer in favor of pursuing a new deal with Amazon. Let’s just say that TNT did not take the news very well.
TNT immediately clapped back with an official response to the league’s unexpected decision, which appears to have included a threat to take legal action against the NBA.
“We have matched the Amazon offer, as we have a contractual right to do, and do not believe the NBA can reject it. 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 including TNT, home to our four-decade partnership with the league, and Max, our leading streaming service.
“We think they have grossly misinterpreted our contractual rights with respect to the 2025-26 season and beyond, and we will take appropriate action. We look forward, however, to another great season of the NBA on TNT and Max including our iconic Inside the NBA,” read the statement.
TNT Sports has released a statement after the NBA announced their new media rights deals:
"We have matched the Amazon offer, as we have a contractual right to do, and do not believe the NBA can reject it. In doing so, they are rejecting the many fans who continue to show their… https://t.co/DoM1PqFVpI
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 24, 2024
NBA News: Will TNT Sue the League?
This massive decision could lead to major implications for the NBA. According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, it’s now very much possible that TNT will end up suing the league over all this.
“Neither side would likely want to enter a legal case, where private conversations could become public during discovery. If TNT does file a suit, it could lead to more talks and a possible compromise with other NBA rights or financial possibilities being the outcome… It is more possible than ever that TNT Sports could enter the year suing the NBA to remain together for another 11 years, while the league wants a divorce,” Marchand wrote.
This could all get real ugly real fast — if it hasn’t already.
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