NBA executives are reportedly finalizing television deals with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon, amounting to a staggering $7.4 billion per year.
This development is expected to significantly impact TNT.
Formalizing Contracts in Final Stages
According to Sports Business Journal, the NBA is in the process of formalizing written agreements with the three companies this week as negotiations reach their concluding phase.
Impact on TNT’s “Inside the NBA”
Fans of Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, analysts on TNT’s popular show “Inside the NBA,” may be disappointed. If these deals are finalized, the show could be in its final season.
There are also rumors that TNT’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, might pursue legal action.
ESPN’s Lucrative Package
ESPN is set to pay $2.8 billion annually for the league’s most coveted games.
This includes the NBA Finals, a conference final, weekly primetime games, and the WNBA.
NBC’s Comprehensive Coverage
NBC is expected to spend $2.6 billion per year for the ‘B’ package. This likely includes a new show, “Basketball Night in America,” airing on Sunday evenings post-NFL season.
NBC’s deal would also feature a conference semifinal, a conference final, and two weekly primetime slots.
Amazon’s Emerging Role
Amazon’s agreement, valued up to $2 billion annually, will cover the In-Season Tournaments, first-round playoff games, and the WNBA.
The final details are anticipated to be resolved in the next week.
Future of “Inside the NBA” Uncertain
Last week, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal expressed confidence that “Inside the NBA” would remain on TNT next season.
The beloved show stars O’Neal, Barkley, Kenny Smith, and host Ernie Johnson.
Mixed Reactions from Hosts
O’Neal stated, “I don’t know about the show’s future, but hopefully Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav will handle it. I’m sure he will. I think we’re in a great spot right now.”
Barkley, however, was less optimistic, saying, “It’d be sad if the show ended. We don’t know… I hope it does continue. Not just for me, Kenny, Ernie, and Shaq, but for the real people who work there. It sucks right now to be stressful.”
