The sports world has seen a seismic shift this week, after 40 years, the NBA is leaving TNT, as it was announced that the league is moving forward with its new media partners: Amazon, NBCUniversal, and The Walt Disney Company (ESPN/ABC).
The Fallout of the NBA-TNT Relationship & What’s Next
- What’s Next? Can TNT & the NBA Work Out A Deal?
- The Future of Inside the NBA
- Possible Impact on Venu Sports
- Which Sports Stream on Max?
- Best Ways to Watch Sports on Max & TNT Sports
For a little background, after the mergers of WarnerMedia and Discovery in 2022, WarnerBros. Discovery (WBD), would go on to see many changes over the years. Within its sports division, Turner Sports was renamed WBD Sports which is now known as TNT Sports in the United States.
As the digital landscape continues to shift with more leagues becoming available on streaming platforms, TNT Sports will often simulstream live sports and events that air on TNT, TBS, and truTV on the Max streaming service. WBD has gone all in on sports as earlier this year, truTV was overhauled into a mostly sports network and has aired alternate broadcasts of games that air on the other two networks. And giving Max subscribers the B/R Sports add-on for free for months.
Earlier this month it was reported that the NBA reached an 11-year, $76 billion media rights agreement that would see league partners, The Walt Disney Company (ESPN/ABC), NBCUniversal, and Amazon annually roughly spend around 2.6 billion, $2.5 billion, and $1.8 billion, respectively, per reports.
Notably, WBD was missing from this deal, and this move could have ripple effects throughout the sports-streaming industry. Here’s a deep dive into changes that fans, subscribers, and viewers may see.
What’s Next? Can the NBA & TNT Workout A Deal
The NBA-TNT relationship dates back to 1989, so it was surprising for many when it was reported that the NBA rejected WBD’s offer to match the new media deal to keep games on their linear network and Max. With WBD eyeing the Amazon package of games, the NBA said the following in a statement regarding the rejection:
“Warner Bros. Discovery’s most recent proposal did not match the terms of Amazon Prime Video’s offer and, therefore, we have entered into a long-term arrangement with Amazon.
“Throughout these negotiations, our primary objective has been to maximize the reach and accessibility of our games for our fans. Our new arrangement with Amazon supports this goal by complementing the broadcast, cable and streaming packages that are already part of our new Disney and NBCUniversal arrangements. All three partners have also committed substantial resources to promote the league and enhance the fan experience.
“We are grateful to Turner Sports for its award-winning coverage of the NBA and look forward to another season of the NBA on TNT.”
This did not sit well with WBD, as TNT Sports responded with the following statement:
“We have matched the Amazon offer, as we have a contractual right to do, and do not believe the NBA can reject it. In doing so, they are rejecting the many fans who continue to show their unwavering support for our best-in-class coverage, delivered through the full combined reach of WBD’s video-first distribution platforms — including TNT, home to our four-decade partnership with the league, and Max, our leading streaming service. We think they have grossly misinterpreted our contractual rights with respect to the 2025-26 season and beyond, and we will take appropriate action. We look forward, however, to another great season of the NBA on TNT and Max including our iconic Inside the NBA.”
The “appropriate action” could mean that WBD may sue the NBA for what they believe in not negotiating in good faith. The Athletic reported that WBD CEO David Zaslav mentioned that their network could align with potential new league partners within their existing deal, according to sources. The report notes that the NBA decided not to stick with TNT’s offer for the following three reasons:
- Amazon has more subscribers worldwide than Max, which the NBA feels gives the league more exposure.
- WBD wanted games on its linear TV networks and Max compared to Amazon’s streaming-only Prime Video service.
- Financially, Amazon’s offer was going to be paid upfront within the first three years vs. WBD needing a three-year line of credit due to the company being in debt.
However, if it does come to a lawsuit, the two sides will possibly come to an agreement or financial settlement. Due to the complicated nature of lawsuits and what could be made public in discovery, one possible pathway to keep NBA games on TNT would be a fourth media rights deal.
As part of that deal, the NBA could offer TNT games that would usually air on local RSNs but promoted to the national stage. This could be similar to how games air on NBA TV or with national broadcasters like how they currently air on TNT. If the NBA does decide that its relationship with TNT Sports is over after the 2024-25 season, fans will want to know what’s in store for the award-winning Inside the NBA.
Update: WBD announced in a statement that they are taking legal action against the NBA in what they call an “unjustified rejection.” NBA spokesperson Mike Bass released a statement saying, “Warner Bros. Discovery’s claims are without merit and our lawyers will address them.”
What Does This Mean for the Future of Inside the NBA for 2025 & Beyond?
What’s next for Shaq, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson, and Charles Barkley if the NBA does end up leaving TNT for good? The hosts of the 19-time Sports Emmy Award-winning studio show may not have to look far for their next gigs. According to a report from SBJ, there is interest from Amazon to bring the Inside crew over to the streamer in 2025.
Global head of sports for Prime Video Jay Marine told SBJ that “obviously, there’ll be a lot of interest, and we’ll just have to see how that plays out.’’ And that they view Inside “as the gold standard studio program,” and it was used as the inspiration for Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football pregame team.
Barkley has stated in the past that if WBD were to ever lose rights to the NBA, he could get out of his contract, which makes him one of the biggest free agents for ESPN, Amazon, or NBC. However, it should be noted that the other three contracts may not have the same exit clause as Sir Charles. Sources familiar with WBD told SBJ that there is “essentially zero chance of the show going anywhere intact.”
“ESPN is already eyeing Barkley and the entire cast of Inside the NBA,” according to sources in a report from Front Office Sports. Barkley and the Inside crew would be huge for ESPN, as their studio show NBA Countdown has faced criticism over the years due to its coverage compared to TNT’s award-winner.
Barkley has also stated that he plans on retiring after the end of the 2024-25 NBA season, so fans will have to wait and see if anything changes (h/t Awful Announcing). The Hall of Famer has not been silent about his thoughts on the new media deal, saying that the “owners and commissioners choose money over the fans” in a statement.
How WBD Losing the NBA Could Impact Venu Sports
The bundling of competing streaming services is becoming more common with each passing day. Earlier this week, Disney+, Hulu, and Max launched their bundle, but that isn’t the only partnership between the two conglomerates.
With plans to launch later this fall, Venu Sports is a sports-focused streaming service that will likely have games from all the major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The platform is a joint venture between Fox, Disney, and WBD and is expected to carry live games from college to professional sports from their portfolios of sports networks for around $40 to $50 per month. No official price has been announced as of yet, so it could be higher or lower, but the 16 live sports channels that are expected to be on the service include TNT, TBS, and truTV, among others.
Now, without the NBA on the trio of WBD channels beyond the upcoming season, this could be detrimental for potential Venu Sports subscribers, as they’ll need additional subscriptions to Amazon and Peacock to watch games. The NBA games on the ESPN family of networks would still be available on the platform, and unless there is some type of bundle with the league’s other partners, subscribers would still need the additional services to watch all of the nationally broadcasted games.
The Venu Sports website says it “will bring the most sought-after live sports from the top leagues and teams, together in one place,” and the direct-to-consumer app will be available to bundle it with other apps, including Disney+, Hulu, or Max.
The Future of Sports on Max
Losing the NBA’s packages of games is a big hit for sports fans who watch live sports on Max with the B/R Sports add-on. The platform still has an expansive portfolio, and as of today, TNT Sports has the following leagues and events under contract in the United States:
- All Elite Wrestling (2019-Present): TNT and TBS have been home to AEW with three shows airing on the networks: the flagship live show AEW Dynamite, the second live show AEW Collision, and the tape-delayed AEW Rampage. It is yet to be seen if the pro wrestling federation will ink a new deal to bring it to Max.
- Bellator (2024-Present): Bellator MMA signed a deal with WBD in March 2024 making Max its exclusive streaming home, with additional content airing on truTV in the US.
- College Basketball (2011-Present): NCAA March Madness games can be found across TNT and its family of networks, including Max. Starting in 2025, Big East men’s and women’s basketball will also air games via the networks and streamer.
- College Football (2024-Present): College Football on TNT Sports makes its long-awaited return after 18 years. The Mountain West Conference (MWC) and two first-round games of the College Football Playoffs via an ESPN sublicense will air across the Turner networks and Max.
- Cycling (2024-Present): Max will stream the Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy) and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Mountain Bike World Series.
- Golf (2018-Present): TNT Sports has aired The Match, which pairs celebrities and athletes with a professional golfer. The Match streams on Max and airs on TNT, TBS, and truTV.
- Motorsports (2024-Present): The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and MotoGP are available to watch on Max. MotoGP will also air on truTV, with Moto2 and Moto3 also streaming on Max.
- MLB (2007-Present): TBS is home to live MLB games, with simulstreams on Max, throughout the season and postseason, with the latest contract running through the 2028 season.
- NHL (2021-Present): In 2021, NHL and WBD agreed to a 7-year deal that brought live hockey games to TNT and sister channels TBS and truTV with simulstreams on Max.
- NASCAR (2025-): In 2023, NASCAR and WBD agreed to a 7-year deal that will bring races to TNT Sports networks and Max beginning in 2025.
- Tennis (2025-): Beginning in 2025, tennis returns to TNT Sports with coverage of the French Open airing on TNT, TBS, truTV, and Max.
- U.S. Soccer (2023-Present): The USMNT and USWNT home matches and FIFA World Cup qualifying home matches will air on TNT and Max with select matches on TBS. Over 20 matches per year, including the US Open Cup, SheBelieves Cup, and other friendlies, will air across the platforms.
Possible Future Deals
WBD may look into adding more sports to their portfolio since they won’t be paying rights to NBA games after the upcoming season. There are talks of bringing AEW to Max sometime this year. Other leagues and events with contracts up by the end of 2027 include the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open (Golf), FIFA World Cup, MLS, U.S. Open (Tennis), and NWSL. TNT Sports could buff up their lineup and make a play on any of these if the other current rightsholders choose not to renew.
Best Way to Watch TNT Sports Live Without Cable
TNT, TBS, and truTV can be found on various live TV streaming services. If you have Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or any other compatible device, you can stream live sports, events, shows, and much more with a subscription to DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.
Many sporting events that air on the trio of networks and exclusive content will also be available to stream on Max.
You can also stream live and on-demand content by using each network’s respective app with TV Anywhere and authentication credentials.
Whether you’re a longtime cable subscriber looking to make a switch or a cord cutter checking out different options, you can find out more about each streaming service, below.
Find out more about each streaming service below.
Watch TNT Sports & Much More With DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM offers the Entertainment package, which includes TNT Sports on truTV, TNT, and TBS in a lineup of over 90 channels for only $79.99 per month. Stream the most popular entertainment, lifestyle, news networks, and much more without any contracts, or hidden fees, and you can record with unlimited cloud DVR storage and unlimited device streams in your home.
New subscribers can take advantage of a 5-day free trial before subscribing.
Sign up for DIRECTV STREAM today.
Save on Live TV & Stream TNT Sports With Sling TV
One of the most affordable ways to watch TNT, TBS, and truTV is with Sling Blue. Starting at the low price of $40 per month, subscribers can watch over 40 live channels and record with 50 hours of DVR storage. Sling Blue offers a diverse range of networks, so there is something for everyone. To make the most of your Sling subscription, upgrade to Sling Orange & Blue and unlock all the sports, news, family, and entertainment channels that come with Sling’s base plans.
You can cancel anytime as there are no annual contracts, and you can customize with Sling’s lineup of extras and add-ons.
Try your first month for half off for a limited time.
Hulu + Live TV Offers TNT Sports & An Abundance of On-Demand Content
TNT, truTV, TBS, and over 95 channels are available on Hulu + Live TV for $76.99 per month. The service offers unlimited access to the Hulu library, Disney+, and live sports on ESPN+ for no additional charge. On top of the live and on-demand content, users can record their favorite shows, events, and more for up to 9 months with unlimited DVR storage. Hulu + Live TV offers profiles so subscribers can personalize their TV lineups for an enjoyable viewing experience.
There are no hidden fees, equipment rentals, or contracts, and new subscribers can try Hulu + Live TV for free for three days.
How to Watch Sports Live on Max
Max is the streaming home of all things WBD, and you can find TNT Sports on the service via the B/R Sports add-on. A base Max subscription includes thousands of hours of premium content, originals, movies, shows, and more, starting at $9.99 per month.
The B/R Sports add-on is included with any Max plan for a limited time, but after the promotional period ends, the add-on is $9.99 per month.
YouTube TV Has TNT Sports & A Wide Collection of Networks
Stream over 100 channels, including TBS, truTV, and TNT, with YouTube TV for only $72.99 per month. Stream your live and local favorites, record with unlimited DVR, and share 6 accounts per household. There are no hidden fees or long-term contracts, so you can watch live and on-demand without any hassles.
New subscribers can try YouTube TV for free, then get $8 off your first 4 months ($64.99 per month —a savings of $32).