TNT Sports has informed the NBA it plans to use its matching rights to continue broadcasting the league games. The network is targeting the 11-year package signed by Amazon Prime Video, sources briefed on the move said.
While TNT has the contractual right to match an offer, per its current contract, the NBA is expected to decline the network’s right to take the agreed-upon Amazon package, sources briefed on the NBA’s plans said. The league’s preference is to honor the $1.8 billion per year contract it agreed to with Amazon.
Sounds like it may end up going to court. I understand the NBA declining since Warner didn’t want to come up with a strong offer during negotiations but I’d honestly rather TNT stay and we get inside the NBA instead of having to deal with Amazon having a chunk of games.
No chance Amazon can maintain quality. Their entire MO is lock in and then cut costs. Does the league realize this? We shall see.