The NBA has confirmed Amazon as its new media partner for the league's games, turning down Warner Bros. Discovery's attempt to match the deal.
As shared by CNBC, the NBA stated that its new 11-year media rights agreement, valued at approximately $77 billion, will include Amazon alongside existing partners ESPN and NBCUniversal. This decision comes despite Warner Bros. Discovery's claims that it had the right to match Amazon's offer.
Warner Bros. Discovery had previously held the option to match any offers for its current media rights package, which ends after the upcoming season.
However, the NBA argued that Warner Bros. Discovery's matching rights do not extend to an all-streaming deal, which was specifically allocated to Amazon Prime Video. The league explained that the existing matching rights only cover combined audio and video distribution formats, not solely internet-based options.
The NBA's decision means that Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns TNT and the streaming service Max, will not continue as a media partner for NBA games beyond the current deal. Warner Bros.
NBA Rejecting Warner Bros. Deal
Discovery has expressed disappointment, asserting that the NBA's move to reject its matching offer is a misinterpretation of the contractual terms. The company has indicated it might pursue legal action to challenge the league's decision.
As part of the new media rights deal, Disney and NBC Universal will play major roles.
Disney will broadcast 80 regular-season games per season, with a mix of ABC and ESPN coverage, while NBC Universal will air 100 games, including exclusive content on its streaming platform Peacock. Amazon Prime Video will handle 30 games per season, further expanding the league's media presence.
The deal is set to begin with the 2025-26 season and will continue through the 2035-36 season.
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