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Several reports indicated that TNT matched the
bid of newcomer Amazon, estimated to be 11 years for $1.8
billion per year.
The NBA received proposals from NBC and Amazon earlier this
month. ABC/ESPN, owned by Disney, would retain the "A package,"
which includes the NBA Finals. The "B package" would go to NBC
and Amazon planned to have the "C package" stream on Prime
Video. The NBA Board of Governors approved the deals, worth a
combined $76 billion, last week.
Turner, a longtime NBA partner known for the studio show "Inside
the NBA," is now trying to get back in on the action.
"In an effort to continue our long-standing partnership, during
both exclusive and non-exclusive negotiation periods, we acted
in good faith to present strong bids that were fair to both
parties," TNT Sports said in a statement. "Regrettably, the
league notified us of its intention to accept other offers for
the games in our current rights package, leaving us to proceed
under the matching rights provision, which is an integral part
of our current agreement and the rights we have paid for under
it.
"We have reviewed the offers and matched one of them. This will
allow fans to keep enjoying our unparalleled coverage, including
the best live game productions in the industry and our iconic
studio shows and talent, while building on our proven 40-year
commitment for many more years.
The statement, which the NBA has yet to comment on, finished by
leaving the ball in the league's court.
"Our matching paperwork was submitted to the league today. We
look forward to the NBA executing our new contract."
WBD is currently paying $1.4 billion per season on a nine-year
deal that expires after the 2024-25 season.
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