The next NBA media rights package is starting to “take shape” as NBC and TNT continue to vie for their piece of the pie, joining ESPN and streaming giant Amazon Prime, per John Ourand of Puck.
There have long been rumors that NBC is aiming to return to carrying NBA games again and perhaps booting out TNT in the process. Sources told Hoops Wire that may not be the case, and Ourand has reported as much.
“NBC’s pitch has its broadcast network running a regular-season game on Sunday nights once its Sunday Night Football commitment ends in January,” Ourand wrote. “It also would secure a package of regular-season games for its Peacock streaming service.”
Meanwhile, TNT and its popular Inside the NBA pregame show could remain with select packages — but as Ourand reported, that scenario seems unlikely.
“Over the past few days, several sports media sources have also suggested that the NBA could split the third and final package between (TNT) and NBC — thereby making it neither a third nor a final package,” Ourand wrote. “But multiple sources described that scenario as unlikely. Creating four packages, after all, would seem like a nice schoolyard gesture, but it would deprive both (TNT) and NBC of the bang for their buck.”
NBC is seeking a lot of broadcasting/streaming rights in its NBA package, Ourand reported.
Meanwhile, Amazon Prime is expected to have many rights of its own to add to its glittering NFL package. That may mean streaming the NBA In-Season Tournament.
“According to sources, Amazon has been pushing for a Saturday night window, and that looks likely to happen,” Ourand wrote. “As part of its agreement, Amazon will carry the NBA’s In-Season Tournament … and the postseason play-in games.”
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