Warner Bros. Discovery is set to discontinue the production of shows for NBA TV, marking the end of a long-standing partnership that has lasted since 2008. This decision comes as the NBA shifts its broadcasting rights to NBCUniversal and Amazon, leaving the era of Warner’s involvement in the basketball cable network behind, following nearly two decades of operations.
Luis Silberwasser, chairman and CEO of TNT Sports, confirmed the split in a memo, indicating that after discussions with the NBA, both parties agreed to part ways at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. Despite several proposals from Warner to continue managing NBA TV and its related digital assets, an agreement could not be reached that reflected the operational excellence and quality content expected from TNT Sports. As a result, the NBA will assume control of programming and managing NBA TV and NBA.com starting October 1.
NBA TV has been a pioneering outlet among national sports leagues’ subscription services and has influenced other leagues like the NFL and Major League Baseball. Yet, the exponential shift of viewers from traditional television to streaming services has significantly impacted the economics of cable networks, including those dedicated to sports. Regional sports networks are also facing challenges, prompting broader changes in how sports programming is delivered.
Despite the split, NBA TV has been a significant part of basketball culture, contributing memorable programming such as “Inside the NBA,” “NBA Gametime Live,” and “NBA Inside Stuff.” While “Inside the NBA” is scheduled to move to ESPN next season, Warner Bros. Discovery will continue producing this flagship program, leveraging its well-known hosts for new sports programming in the future.
Interestingly, Warner and the NBA will maintain some collaborative efforts. The company has retained rights to use digital clips of NBA games through platforms like Bleacher Report and House of Highlights, which will help facilitate the content creation for TNT Sports properties and allow limited live game broadcasts in select international markets.
This transition underscores the changing landscape of sports broadcasting, emphasizing the need for innovation in delivering content to fans in an increasingly digital age. While it marks the end of an era for Warner and NBA TV, it opens new opportunities for the NBA to redefine its programming strategy directly.