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Things just keep getting messier between the NBA and TNT.
TNT Sports has officially exercised its matching rights on the NBA’s new media rights deal to keep airing games on Max and potentially TNT.
Although the company didn’t specify which rights it intends to match, Amazon have a deal with the NBA worth a reported $1.8 billion per year.
The NBA is “expected to decline the network’s right to take the agreed-upon Amazon package, sources briefed on the NBA’s plans said,” The Athletic reports.
“The league’s preference is to honor the $1.8 billion per year contract it agreed to with Amazon.”
TNT released the following statement:
“We’re proud of how we have delivered for basketball fans by providing best-in-class coverage throughout our four- decade partnership with the NBA. 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.
“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.
“Our matching paperwork was submitted to the league today. We look forward to the NBA executing our new contract.”
The “cloud of a legal fight” is hanging over the future of streaming and broadcast deal in the NBA space, The Athletic says.
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