TNT Just Ditched the NBA – Again!

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Current developments at TNT in professional basketball coverage are quite significant. They’ve recently lost the broadcast rights for live NBA games, which also signified the conclusion of their popular sports talk show, Inside the NBA. Yet, this show isn’t vanishing entirely; instead, it will be relocated to ESPN and air from fall onwards, following a deal struck between TNT and its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. Now, what strikes me is another major move TNT is making in the pro-basketball arena – one that truly piques my interest.

TNT Sports Will No Longer Be Connected To Two Major NBA-Centric Entities

Based on recent reports, it appears that TNT and the NBA are ending their 17-year partnership regarding NBA TV, the sports channel dedicated to the basketball league. This separation was outlined in a memo sent to Front Office Sports, stating that both parties “agreed to go their separate ways.” Furthermore, TNT will no longer be responsible for managing NBA.com. In the memo, TNT CEO and chairman Luis Silberwasser provided some insight into the discussions that led to this decision.

Instead of our initial plans to carry on delivering services via the NBA TV network and associated digital assets, we couldn’t reach an agreement on a mutually beneficial course that acknowledged the worth of our skills, high-quality content, and top-notch performance that TNT Sports is known for among fans and partners. We will collaborate with the NBA to devise a transfer strategy, allowing them to take over the management and operation of NBA TV and NBA.com, effective from October 1.

It appears that TNT and the NBA will engage in additional business transactions. Specifically, TNT is expected to maintain its role as a digital content partner for platforms like Bleacher Report and House of Highlights, among others. On the other hand, NBA TV could potentially see a change in production leadership, with MLB Network reportedly in early talks about taking control. However, MLB has not yet made any official comments regarding this matter.

It’s surprising news that TNT won’t be part of further NBA development anymore. Although both entities aren’t disappearing entirely, this decision indicates a growing rift between Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA on a larger scale. Frankly, I wasn’t ready for the first blow with the loss of broadcast rights and the move of Inside the NBA. It feels like another blow to fans who have been following NBA TV and the league’s official website closely.

What’s Going On With Inside The NBA Right Now?

More on Inside the NBA

Inside The NBA Guest Host Draymond Green Comments On The Show’s Move To ESPN Amid Concerns

It seemed like the popular TV show “Inside the NBA” might get cancelled, causing fans to start a movement to keep it going. Fans even posted videos featuring Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal (who are hosts on the show). There was much enthusiasm when it was revealed that the series would transfer to ESPN as part of an 11-year contract. Nevertheless, there appears to be some anxiety about the series changing networks.

Charles Barkley has voiced fresh worries about the details surrounding ESPN’s upcoming show “Inside”. Earlier, he had been eagerly awaiting clarification on his work schedule, since it was anticipated that he and his fellow hosts would need to deliver more extensive coverage than they traditionally have. Similarly, sports analyst Bill Simmons has expressed reservations about the move, arguing that the program’s format could suffer due to the commercial-heavy time slots on ESPN, a leading sports network owned by Disney. However, a source close to the matter claims significant changes will not be made to the Emmy Award-winning show.

It’s uncertain if my passion for NBA can handle these significant changes, but they might work out well in the end. However, it’s surprising that TNT, which had such a long-standing partnership with the league, is no longer covering it or associated with its official network or website. I hope things are resolved backstage with NBA TV. In essence, a new chapter has begun, and we find ourselves in unfamiliar waters.

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2025-07-02 16:08