NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery Resolve Lawsuit Over Live Game Rights

Warner Bros. Discovery Ends Bid for NBA Live Game Rights, Settles Legal Disputes

Warner Bros. Discovery has officially ended its pursuit of a live National Basketball Association (NBA) game package in the U.S. for the 2025-26 season and beyond, resolving its legal disputes with the league.

The media company sued the NBA in July, alleging the league did not honor its "matching rights" for a package of live games. However, the settlement, announced Monday, includes agreements that allow Warner Bros. Discovery to retain some NBA-related content and partnerships while concluding its 40-year tenure as a carrier of live NBA games in the U.S.

Shift in NBA Media Partners

The NBA has secured three new U.S. distributors for live games starting next season: Disney (ABC/ESPN), Comcast’s NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video. The 11-year deal, valued at $77 billion and including WNBA rights, reflects the league’s shift toward streaming and broadcast networks to better reach younger audiences.

Warner Bros. Discovery, through TNT Sports, has broadcast NBA games since 1984, with games airing on TNT since 1988. However, concerns over the long-term viability of cable TV contributed to the league’s decision to part ways.

New Settlement Details

As part of the settlement, Warner Bros. Discovery gains access to highlights for its Bleacher Report platform and House of Highlights for 11 years. The company will also license, create, and distribute NBA content globally, excluding Brazil and Mexico, while retaining live game rights in Nordic countries, Poland, and Latin America.

The agreement also extends NBA Digital’s partnership with TNT Sports for five years, covering production, content development, and promotional services.

“Inside the NBA” Transition

TNT’s iconic studio show, Inside the NBA, will continue to be produced by Warner Bros. Discovery and licensed to Disney’s ESPN and ABC for select games, including playoffs and the Finals. Hosts Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal will remain with the show under their current contracts. However, ESPN retains the option to end the licensing deal if key hosts leave.

While the show will air on Disney platforms starting next year, it remains unclear whether it will carry TNT or ESPN branding.

Broader Sports Collaboration

As part of the settlement, ESPN will allow TNT to televise select Big 12 football and basketball games starting in 2025, offering the conference more exposure on linear TV. Earlier this year, the two companies struck a similar deal for College Football Playoff games.

Looking Ahead

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism about the ongoing collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, despite the end of its live game broadcasting rights.

“These agreements ensure fans can continue enjoying TNT’s Inside the NBA while enhancing partnerships across platforms like Bleacher Report and House of Highlights,” Silver said.

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav emphasized the value of the settlement, framing it as an opportunity to strengthen the company’s sports portfolio despite not securing live NBA game rights.

While the settlement closes a significant chapter in NBA broadcasting history, it opens doors for new partnerships and content opportunities in the evolving media landscape.