Warner Bros. Discovery has notified the National Basketball Association that it intends to use its matching rights for a package of games originally slated for Amazon Prime Video. The company has submitted matching paperwork to the league in an effort to continue their partnership and maintain the coverage they have built over the years. They have expressed their commitment to providing fans with unparalleled game productions and studio shows, hoping to secure a new contract with the NBA.
Both the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery are now in the process of reviewing the proposal, with the main question being whether the matching rights extend to an all-streaming package like the one offered to Amazon. Warner Bros. Discovery owns a streaming service, Max, through which they could potentially air the games. However, Amazon Prime Video’s larger customer base and market capitalization may make it a more attractive platform for the league.
The future of Warner Bros. Discovery is uncertain, with CEO David Zaslav expressing interest in more mergers or partnerships, potentially impacting the stability of the company as a broadcast partner for the NBA. The league has already signed deals with other major companies like Disney and Comcast’s NBCUniversal for separate packages of games. If the NBA rejects Warner Bros. Discovery’s match for the Amazon package, the next steps are unclear, with possibilities ranging from legal action to a potential settlement with the league.
Creating a fourth package of games is unlikely, as previous talks around this option have not materialized due to existing deals in place with Disney, Comcast, and Amazon. Warner Bros. Discovery has targeted the less expensive Amazon package for its matching rights, which is valued at $1.8 billion per year compared to Disney’s $2.6 billion and NBCUniversal’s $2.5 billion deals. The NBA is also mindful of consumer confusion and service subscriptions, preferring to limit the number of different platforms fans need to access games.
The NBA’s decision regarding Warner Bros. Discovery’s matching rights and the Amazon package will have implications for the future broadcast partnerships in the league. With various stakeholders and financial considerations at play, the outcome of this situation will likely depend on negotiations between the involved parties. Warner Bros. Discovery’s efforts to secure a new contract with the NBA reflect their commitment to providing high-quality coverage and content for basketball fans in the years to come.
