The NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery Settle Lawsuit with New Deal

The NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery have announced a post-lawsuit settlement, resulting in an 11-year renewal of their agreement.

Details of the New Agreement

 

Warner Bros. negotiated a new contract to broadcast live NBA games, which includes both regular season and playoff games. The studio will also acquire some international NBA games to enhance the growth of TNT Sports globally, as well as expanded rights to utilize clips for promoting league content.

Legal Background

 

WBD, the parent company of TNT Sports, previously filed a lawsuit against the NBA in New York state court after the league declined to accept their matching offer for one of the broadcast packages.

New Media Rights Deal

 

With the legal issues resolved, an 11-year media rights agreement has been announced, set to commence with the 2025-26 season.

TNT Sports’ Additional Acquisitions

 

TNT Sports, which has held NBA rights since 1984, will also secure rights to 13 Big 12 football games and 15 men’s basketball games each season from ESPN, starting in 2025.

Impact on ESPN

 

ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro emerges as a key figure in this settlement, instrumental in facilitating the agreement between the NBA and WBD as legacy media outlets strive to leverage live sports to counteract the decline in traditional TV viewership.

Expansion of Digital Brands

 

WBD will broaden the reach of its digital sports brands, such as Bleacher Report and House of Highlights, as TNT Sports gains a global license to create, produce, and distribute both new and existing NBA content across its platforms.

Promotional Opportunities

 

This agreement includes promotional, sales, and creative opportunities across NBA and WBD platforms.

Statements from Leadership

 

“These agreements will ensure that fans continue to enjoy TNT’s Inside the NBA and provide significant value for our entire portfolio as we enhance the growth of TNT Sports, Bleacher Report, House of Highlights, and our global sports business,” stated David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery. He expressed satisfaction in partnering with the NBA and Disney/ESPN, having secured long-term rights and revenue for WBD, with all disputes from the lawsuit resolved. The NBA benefits from moving past the legal issues, while TNT Sports’ Inside the NBA will air on ESPN and ABC starting in the 2025-26 season.

NBA Commissioner’s Remarks

 

“The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning Inside the NBA is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere,” remarked NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Extended Digital Partnership

 

The agreement will also extend the NBA’s digital collaboration with TNT Sports for an additional five seasons, focusing on production, content development, and sales operations services.

Promotion of NBA League Pass

 

WBD will also assist in promoting the NBA League Pass and expanding its subscriber base, along with advertising NBA properties on WBD’s linear channels and digital platforms.

Future Collaboration

 

“We look forward to building on our longstanding partnership with TNT Sports and collaborating to promote NBA content across key WBD and NBA platforms,” Silver added.

 

Person: Jimmy Pitaro, David Zaslav, Adam Silver
Company Names: NBA, Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT Sports, ESPN, Disney
Titles: Inside the NBA

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