Warner Bros. Discovery recently took legal action against the NBA by filing a lawsuit in New York Supreme Court. This move came after losing the media rights to Amazon, which was a significant blow to TNT, Warner Bros. Discovery’s parent company. According to documents obtained by ESPN, Warner Bros. Discovery claimed that the NBA violated their contract by rejecting their offer for a new media rights deal and instead opting to sign with Amazon.
TNT Sports expressed their disappointment in the NBA’s decision, stating that they firmly believe in their contractual rights and the best interest of the fans who enjoy their NBA content. They highlighted the choice and flexibility they offer through their widely distributed WBD video-first distribution platforms, including TNT and Max. However, the NBA spokesman, Mike Bass, dismissed WBD’s claims as baseless, stating that their legal team would address the matter accordingly.
The lawsuit from Warner Bros. Discovery comes shortly after the NBA announced a lucrative 11-year media rights deal with Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video, valued at nearly $76 billion. This new agreement is set to run from the 2025-26 season through the 2035-36 season. Warner Bros. Discovery revealed that they had matched Amazon’s offer of $1.8 billion per year, a significant increase from the $1.4 billion they are currently paying under a nine-year deal that expires after the 2024-25 season.
By rejecting Warner Bros. Discovery’s offer, the NBA is effectively bringing an end to a longstanding partnership that dates back to the 1984-85 season. This move marks a significant shift in the media landscape for the NBA, as they pivot towards new partners and distribution platforms. The legal battle between Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA is likely to have far-reaching implications for both parties and the future of NBA broadcasting rights. Only time will tell how this dispute will unfold and what it means for fans of NBA content moving forward.
