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As the NBA inches closer to finalizing its new media rights deal, its longtime broadcast partner, Warner Bros. Discovery's TNT, reportedly received a matching-rights window. Amid its looming decision, the fate of the company's beloved show "Inside the NBA" hangs in the balance. Thus, fans are urging TNT to save the program.
The NBA agreed to an 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal, featuring contracts with Disney, NBC and Amazon Prime Video, commencing with the 2025-26 season. However, per a TNT spokesperson, TNT has five days to match one of the league's new broadcasting rights packages.
TNT, which has held NBA broadcasting rights since 1989, reportedly received the contract framework on Wednesday evening and is reviewing the terms. Per Front Office Sports' Michael McCarthy, TNT has "until next Monday, to 'match' either Amazon Prime Video’s $1.8 billion-per-year offer or NBC’s $2.5 billion-per-year bid."
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Upon the news, NBA fans on X/Twitter nearly unanimously called for TNT to match one of the bids to keep "Inside the NBA" on air. Co-hosted by Ernie Johnson Jr., ex-NBA sharpshooter Kenny Smith and NBA legends Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley, the show is widely revered among sports fans.
Thus, many pleaded for TNT to retain its broadcasting rights at all costs.
"Do whatever it takes to keep 'Inside the NBA,' please," @AidanLaPorta69 said.
"Please do the right thing and match it so they stay together," @Carpo_31 said.
"I speak for everyone when I say we NEED to keep 'Inside the NBA,'" @30problemz said.
"Please don’t fumble," @spomuse said.
"You know what to do TNT. Do it!" @mintsniper said.
TNT most likely to match Amazon Prime Video's offer to retain its NBA broadcasting rights
TNT has yet to make a final decision regarding matching Amazon Prime Video or NBC's new broadcasting rights packages. However, according to Michael McCarthy, TNT is "far more likely" to match Amazon's offer. Moreover, per Deadline, TNT "intends to" do so.
McCarthy added that TNT is still "holding out hope" it can join the NBA's new media rights deal on a "less-expensive fourth rights package." That would also save "Inside the NBA."
Regardless, it appears the show is set to enter its final season with its current quartet of co-hosts. Last month, Charles Barkley announced his plan to retire from the program following the end of next season. So, basketball fans will likely savor Barkley's final year on air.
