How the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery's New Deal Reinvents 'Inside the NBA'
The NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery’s 11-year deal secures the future of Inside the NBA and expands global coverage on TNT Sports and digital platforms.
The NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have agreed to a new 11-year media rights deal, extending their decades-long collaboration to promote basketball globally. The agreement expands TNT Sports’ role as a leading broadcaster of NBA games while incorporating a broader digital strategy through Bleacher Report and House of Highlights.
Under the deal, WBD gains global licensing rights to produce and distribute NBA content across platforms, including its Emmy-winning Inside the NBA. Additionally, WBD will carry live NBA games in international markets such as the Nordics, Poland, and parts of Latin America, with commentary in local languages.
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“This agreement ensures fans will continue to enjoy TNT’s Inside the NBA while helping accelerate the growth of our global sports business,” said David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Enhanced Global Coverage
The agreement positions WBD as a critical player in the NBA’s international growth. The company will broadcast games outside the United States, expanding its portfolio to include local productions to engage fans worldwide. WBD’s TNT Sports will also work closely with the NBA to promote League Pass subscriptions, leveraging Bleacher Report and House of Highlights to reach younger audiences.
WBD will also support NBA marketing initiatives through advertising and promotional commitments on its platforms. The NBA App and NBA.com will feature basketball-related content from Bleacher Report and House of Highlights, further integrating the partnership.
Inside the NBA Finds a New Home
As part of an innovative agreement with ESPN, TNT Sports will continue producing Inside the NBA, but the show will air on ESPN and ABC starting in the 2025-26 season. The iconic studio program, featuring Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, will remain a cornerstone of NBA coverage while reaching a wider audience.
“This partnership is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “We’re excited to continue working with TNT Sports and build on this longstanding relationship.”
TNT Sports, a national NBA broadcaster since 1984, has earned more than 45 Sports Emmy Awards for its coverage. The network also co-manages NBA Digital, which includes NBA TV, NBA League Pass, and the NBA App.
Broader Sports Portfolio
The agreement strengthens WBD’s position as a global leader in sports media. Starting in 2025, TNT Sports will expand its offerings to include exclusive Big 12 football and men’s basketball games in addition to its NBA coverage.
The partnership underscores WBD’s commitment to delivering premium sports content and its ability to create innovative collaborations, such as its joint efforts with ESPN. With these developments, the NBA and WBD aim to enhance the fan experience while driving the league’s global growth.
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