NBC nearing $2.5B per year NBA deal; TNT may counter with $2.8B

Comcast’s NBCUniversal is nearing a deal for the third NBA package, potentially introducing a “Basketball Night in America” telecast with an annual bid of $2.5 billion. Warner Bros.

Discovery, the parent company of TNT, may need to increase its bid to $2.8 billion or face litigation. Despite WBD’s expectation to match bids, the NBA believes NBC’s offer surpasses a dollar-for-dollar match due to its broader broadcasting capabilities.

Commissioner Adam Silver is seeking a diplomatic way to end the relationship with TNT, as NBC’s package could include Sunday Night games and other prime-time slots. ESPN retains exclusivity for The Finals.