The bidding war for national NBA broadcast rights for the 2024-25 season and beyond is reaching its final stages, with ESPN/Disney, NBC Universal, and Amazon set to outbid current rights holder TNT. ESPN is expected to pay $2.8 billion annually for the league’s “A” package, which includes the NBA Finals, while NBC’s proposed “B” package is believed to be worth $2.6 billion annually and Amazon’s deal is estimated to be between $1.8 billion and $2 billion. After written bids are finalized, the NBA will present NBC’s contract to Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to see if they can match the offer in total value.
If WBD fails to match NBC’s bid, it could mean the end of the NBA’s longstanding partnership with TNT, including the iconic studio show “Inside the NBA.” Charles Barkley, a panelist on the show since 2000, expressed concern for the potential job losses that would occur if TNT loses the NBA broadcast package. Lead studio host Ernie Johnson is expected to continue in his role for other sports broadcasts if TNT loses the NBA rights. Barkley also mentioned that he has an opt-out clause in his contract in case WBD is outbid, hinting at the possible end of the current “Inside the NBA” lineup after the 2024-25 season.
The potential loss of “Inside the NBA” is a significant concern for fans and the NBA’s next broadcast rights partners. The show has been a staple of NBA coverage since its debut in the late 1980s when TNT acquired the rights to broadcast games. Johnson, Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal have formed a beloved panel that has entertained and informed basketball fans for decades. Barkley reportedly signed a 10-year contract extension with WBD in 2022, coinciding with renewals for Johnson, Smith, and O’Neal, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the future of the show.
The negotiations for NBA broadcast rights are expected to have far-reaching effects beyond just the fate of “Inside the NBA.” The potential shift in coverage to ESPN, NBC, or Amazon could lead to changes in how games are broadcast, the scheduling of events, and the overall viewing experience for fans. The reported increase in annual payments for the NBA’s broadcast rights signals the continued popularity and value of basketball content in the media landscape, with major media companies vying for a piece of the lucrative sports broadcasting market.
As the clock ticks on the finalization of the new broadcast contracts, the future of NBA coverage on national television hangs in the balance. The outcome of the negotiations will not only determine which network will have the rights to broadcast NBA games but also impact the careers of on-air talent, production staff, and the overall viewing experience for fans. With change on the horizon, basketball enthusiasts will have to prepare for potential shifts in coverage and programming as the NBA enters a new era of broadcasting partnerships.
