In a bold move that could redefine the sports media landscape, AEW’s broadcast partner Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) announced its intention to match a hefty offer to retain its media rights deal with the NBA. This comes amidst a whirlwind of rumors suggesting the NBA was ready to dance with new partners like Amazon, NBC, and ESPN.
WBD’s TNT Sports has been the NBA’s loyal hype man for over four decades. However, earlier this month, whispers spread that the league was about to swap jerseys, cozying up to Amazon, NBC, and ESPN. But hold onto your foam fingers, because WBD isn’t backing down without a fight. In a dramatic announcement, WBD revealed it would match Amazon’s eye-watering 11-year, $1.8 billion per annum offer.
The New York Times reported that despite WBD flexing its contractual muscles, the NBA is still eyeing the new deal with a sparkle in its eye. This twist could lead to a courtroom showdown, as WBD’s current agreement grants them the right to match any offer. TNT Sports stated, “We acted in good faith to present strong bids that were fair to both parties… We have reviewed the offers and matched one of them. Our matching paperwork was submitted to the league today. We look forward to NBA executing our new contract.”
An NBA spokesperson is currently reviewing WBD’s offer, while Amazon remains tight-lipped like a magician refusing to reveal the secret to their best trick.
Meanwhile, NBC’s deal involves streaming regular season games on Peacock and broadcasting on NBC, with a $2.5 billion per season price tag. ESPN, the perennial MVP, will keep the NBA Championship and conference finals for about $2.6 billion per year.
There’s also chatter about a combined $2.2 billion deal for 11 years of WNBA coverage. Amazon’s slice of the pie includes conference finals on Prime Video and a full playoff slate, challenging WBD’s ability to meet these fresh demands. New contracts with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon exclude backend rights, possibly sidestepping future conflicts.
This NBA drama isn’t just a side show; it’s a main event that could impact WBD’s negotiations with AEW. The wrestling giant’s broadcast rights are expiring this year, and a deal in principle was reached, hinging on the NBA saga’s outcome. Part of this new deal would see AEW content slamming onto the MAX streaming platform, including pay-per-views. Financial details are vague, but it’s rumored to be a “middle to high side” agreement.
Despite the clock ticking on exclusive renegotiation rights with AEW, it’s unlikely that Tony Khan and his AEW crew will start shopping around, given their bromance with WBD. However, with the NBA negotiations hanging in the balance, anything can happen.
WBD losing the NBA could ignite their passion to lock down AEW, and they’re expected to make a play for UFC media rights come January 2025. Meanwhile, collaborations between AEW and WBD-owned IPs, like DC Comics and Adult Swim, show that the relationship remains strong, even in uncertain times.
AEW fans can catch “AEW Dynamite” on Wednesdays on TBS, “AEW Rampage” on Fridays, and “AEW Collision” on Saturdays on TNT. Grab your popcorn and stay tuned, because this story is far from over.