NBA Signs New $76 Billion Media Deal

One of the big talking points during the recent NBA playoffs was the need for a new media deal. The NBA brings in viewership which is only surpassed by the NFL on an annual basis.

On Wednesday, a deal was reached. The NBA will remain with ESPN/Disney but also add coverage via NBC and Amazon. The deal is for 11 years at $76 billion. NBC has previously had the rights to NBA games, while Amazon is a first-time broadcaster of the league. Amazon notably hosts the NFL's Thursday Night Football, so this will not be their first sports production.

This likely means TNT and Inside the NBA will be caught with out a spot. They still have the rights to outbid NBC and Amazon, but it will most likely not happen. Inside the NBA was a fan-favorite, with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley , and Shaquille O’Neal.

The move is bitter sweet for NBA fans. This new deal will allow for better online streaming, making games more accessible to all fans. NBC also was the home of the Bulls Championship runs in the 90's, with many iconic games broadcast on the network. Losing TNT though will be tough as many NBA fans would always find the Inside the NBA crew and the game as a good break from the work week.

Notably, Charles Barkley's media company could resurrect Inside the NBA , but there is no indication if that will occur at this time. For now, it appears the NBA has two new homes for their coverage beginning in the 2024-25 season.

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