NBC bids $2.5B annually to outbid Turner for NBA rights

NBC bids $2.5B annually to outbid Turner for NBA rights

NBC is making a bold move in the NBA media-rights negotiations, offering a massive $2.5 billion annually to air NBA games, aiming to outmaneuver Warner Bros. Discovery’s Turner Sports. The proposed deal, reported by The Wall Street Journal, signifies NBC’s aggressive strategy to reclaim its former basketball glory from the 1990s when it showcased the era of Michael Jordan and the iconic “Roundball Rock” theme.

As the NBA’s current media deals with Turner Sports and ESPN/Disney near expiration, the bidding war intensifies with Amazon and other media giants also in the fray. NBC’s history with the NBA, coupled with its broadcasting talent like Noah Eagle and Mike Tirico, strengthens its bid. The network plans to showcase games on both its traditional broadcast channels and its streaming service, Peacock, ensuring wide accessibility.

Turner Sports, under Warner Bros. Discovery, which currently pays about $1.2 billion annually, finds itself under pressure as NBC’s offer substantially exceeds its own. David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, has expressed a fluctuating stance on the NBA deal, initially distancing from it in 2022 before showing renewed interest in 2023.

NBC’s strategic play not only aims to enhance its sports portfolio but also to boost Peacock’s offerings amidst fierce competition in the streaming market. As negotiations progress, the sports broadcasting landscape braces for potential shifts, with NBC poised to make a significant impact if its bid succeeds.

Source: Front Office Sports

NBC bids $2.5B annually to outbid Turner for NBA rights