Recent reports suggest that NBC Universal may have won the NBA broadcast rights negotiations, although an official announcement is still pending. However, not everyone is optimistic about this development, with sports expert Colin Cowherd predicting a negative outcome for NBC.
During a recent episode of The Colin Cowherd Podcast, Cowherd criticized the potential deal, foreseeing significant financial losses for NBC. He stated, “The NBA is going to sign this massive contract. NBA basketball on NBC according to all these reports, NBC’s going to lose a billion dollars a year on it. It’s just not a good deal for NBC.”
Cowherd emphasized the demanding nature of NBA coverage, pointing out that star players dominate the game and command constant attention. Despite potential challenges for NBC, Cowherd acknowledged the NBA’s ability to secure lucrative deals.
Colin Cowherd predicts NBC’s new NBA package will be ‘not a good deal’ https://t.co/ZCYJOBO6Vu pic.twitter.com/1OHZ8UulzE
— Ken Fang — Very Asian (@fangsbites) May 23, 2024
Despite speculation that TNT and Warner Bros. Discovery’s partnership with the NBA may be ending, league commissioner Adam Silver has not confirmed the final decision. Negotiations are ongoing, with no definitive owner for the media rights at this time.
“We’re all still talking. Who knows how it’s gonna work out,” Silver shared with the press. He expressed confidence in the continued involvement of prominent NBA analysts, reassuring fans that key personalities will remain integral to league coverage.
While Silver’s assurances provide some comfort, Charles Barkley recently voiced concerns about TNT potentially losing NBA broadcasting rights, including the future of Inside the NBA. Reports indicate that a new media rights deal involving Disney/ESPN, Amazon, and the NBA may alter the broadcasting landscape.
If TNT does lose NBA coverage, it would mark a significant shift after decades of association with the league. Despite financial capacity to match competitors like NBC, parent company Warner Bros. Discovery appears unlikely to pursue a similar broadcasting deal.
Barkley’s frustrations were evident during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, where he criticized TNT leadership for jeopardizing the network’s NBA ties. Expressing empathy for his colleagues affected by the uncertainty, Barkley highlighted the consequences of potential broadcasting changes.
“Morale sucks, plain and simple. I just feel so bad for the people I work with, Dan. These people have families and I just really feel bad for them right now,” Barkley shared candidly. As uncertainties loom over the future of NBA coverage on TNT, Barkley’s concerns reflect wider apprehensions within the broadcasting industry.
