The NBA announced an 11-year media rights agreement with Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video, rejecting Warner Bros. Discovery’s annual $1.8 billion offer to extend their long-standing partnership.
The league’s Board of Governors approved these deals last week, totalling about $76 billion. Although WBD attempted to match the deal within five days, the NBA did not accept it as a valid match.
Consequently, TNT will broadcast its final season in 2024-25 after nearly 40 years with the NBA.
Following the NBA’s announcement, WBD expressed its intent to take “appropriate action,” asserting that the association must accept its offer.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted the synergy between Amazon’s digital capabilities and the NBA’s global appeal.
He noted that Prime Video’s extensive subscriber base would significantly enhance fan engagement through innovative approaches.
Turner Sports contested the NBA’s decision, claiming a misinterpretation of their contractual rights and affirming their match to Amazon’s offer. They pledged to continue delivering high-quality coverage to their loyal viewers and to take necessary actions.
The new arrangement with Amazon Prime Video includes broadcasting NBA games on Friday nights, select Saturday afternoons, and Thursday night doubleheaders following Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football.”
Additionally, Prime Video will assume responsibility for the NBA League Pass package previously held by WBD.
The league stated that their primary negotiation goal was to maximize game accessibility for fans, achieved through this new agreement with Amazon, complemented by existing partnerships with Disney and NBCUniversal.
Furthermore, the deal with Amazon will feature an NBA game on Black Friday and cover the Association Cup’s quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship games.
Jay Marine, Prime Video’s global head of sports, expressed enthusiasm about adding the NBA to their expanding sports portfolio, which includes the NFL, UEFA Champions League, and others.
