TNT Sports Ends Association with NBA TV
TNT Sports has decided to discontinue its association with NBA TV as Warner Bros. Discovery prepares to end its management of the league-owned channel later this fall. The network, which has overseen NBA TV since the 2008-09 season, was unable to reach an agreement that would allow it to continue its operations under the new contract that the NBA has recently secured.
A significant factor in this decision appears to stem from a reduced number of games that will be featured on NBA TV as a result of the league’s new long-term rights deal, which has lessened TNT’s motivation to continue the partnership.
Communication of the Decision
This development was communicated to staff through a memo from Luis Silberwasser, Chair and CEO of TNT Sports, where he described the ending of this 17-year collaboration as a mutual decision. Silberwasser detailed the efforts made by TNT to sustain its role in managing the NBA TV network and its digital assets, but noted that discussions did not yield a mutually agreeable solution that reflected the value of TNT’s established quality and expertise.
Future Plans for TNT Sports
As the management responsibility transitions back to the NBA effective October 1, TNT intends to maintain its influence in the sports broadcasting sphere by continuing to produce digital content for the league through platforms like Bleacher Report and House of Highlights.
Furthermore, the signature studio show ‘Inside the NBA’, featuring prominent personalities such as Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal, will remain under TNT’s editorial control. The rights to the show have been licensed to Disney, ensuring the familiar faces associated with the program will continue to engage viewers while preserving the hallmark style of TNT.
Significance of the Shift
This shift marks a significant moment not just for TNT, but for the operations of NBA TV, which will now be under the direct purview of the league for the first time since its inception.
