Quick Answer: Starting in the 2025-2026 season, NBCUniversal and Amazon Prime Video will effectively replace TNT's live game coverage. The NBA has signed a historic 11-year deal with Disney (ESPN/ABC), NBC, and Amazon. While TNT (Warner Bros. Discovery) lost live broadcast rights, they have reached a settlement to license the popular show "Inside the NBA" to ESPN and retain some international and highlight rights.
The Major Shift in NBA Broadcasting Rights
The landscape of professional basketball is changing forever. For nearly four decades, fans have associated NBA Tuesday and Thursday nights with TNT. However, to understand who will replace TNT in the NBA, we must look at the massive $76 billion media rights deal that kicks in for the 2025-2026 season. This change isn't just about switching channels; it represents a fundamental shift toward streaming and a return to broadcast television. The league has decided to part ways with Warner Bros. Discovery (TNT's parent company) for live games, bringing in streaming giant Amazon and bringing back an old friend in NBC.
The goal of this new arrangement is to maximize viewership across all platforms. You will see games on traditional cable (ESPN), national broadcast TV (ABC and NBC), and digital streaming (Peacock and Prime Video). This strategy ensures that the NBA reaches younger, cord-cutting audiences while maintaining its presence on standard television. Understanding this transition is crucial for every fan who wants to know where to find their favorite teams next season.
The End of an Era for TNT
It is emotional for many fans to accept that TNT will no longer air live games. This network defined basketball culture for over 30 years. However, business decisions drove this change. The NBA sought a partner who could offer massive streaming reach and a significant financial increase. When you ask who will replace TNT in the NBA, you are really asking about the future of sports consumption. Below are the key players stepping into the spotlight to fill the void left by TNT.
- Amazon Prime Video: They are taking a significant portion of the schedule, including the In-Season Tournament (Emirates NBA Cup) and regular season games.
- NBCUniversal: Returning to the NBA after 20 years, NBC will host regular season games and playoff matchups, bringing basketball back to a major broadcast network.
- Disney (ESPN/ABC): While not a "new" replacement, they are expanding their role and remain the exclusive home of the NBA Finals.
- Peacock: NBC's streaming service will simulcast games, ensuring that streaming access is a priority for the league.
- The "Inside the NBA" Settlement: In a twist, TNT's beloved studio show will continue production but will air on ESPN/ABC, meaning the talent remains, but the platform changes.
- Bleacher Report & House of Highlights: These WBD properties will continue to have extensive highlight rights, keeping a digital footprint for the former partner.
In short, the league has traded one cable partner for a mix of broadcast power (NBC) and digital dominance (Amazon). This move aims to future-proof the league's revenue and viewership numbers.
Breakdown of the New "C" Package
The specific package of games that TNT lost is effectively being split and reimagined. Amazon Prime Video is the primary recipient of what experts call the "C" package. This is a game-changer for the league. Here is how the new strategy works and what it offers to the fans.
- The Amazon Deal 📌Amazon Prime Video has secured rights to 66 regular-season games. This includes Thursday night doubleheaders, which were previously a staple of TNT's schedule.
- Black Friday Games 📌Creating a new tradition, Amazon will stream an NBA Black Friday game annually. This attempts to replicate the success the NFL has had on the holiday.
- The Emirates NBA Cup 📌The Knockout Rounds of the In-Season Tournament (now the Emirates NBA Cup) will be exclusive to Amazon. This gives the streamer a marquee event early in the season.
- International Reach 📌One major reason Amazon was chosen to replace TNT is its global infrastructure. Prime Video will distribute games globally, making it easier for international fans to watch.
- Play-In Tournament📌 Amazon will also broadcast the Play-In Tournament, a high-stakes series of games that determine the final playoff seeds.
- Conference Finals Rotation 📌In a historic move, Amazon Prime Video will stream the Conference Finals every other year (alternating with NBC), starting in the 6th year of the deal.
- WNBA Integration 📌The deal isn't just for the men. Amazon is also deeply investing in the WNBA, securing rights to a significant number of regular-season and playoff games.
- No Local Blackouts (Ideally) 📌While local rules are complex, the national streaming deal aims to reduce friction for fans trying to watch national games without a cable box.
By securing these rights, Amazon cements itself as a major sports broadcaster, directly answering the question of who will replace TNT in the NBA regarding Thursday nights and tournament coverage.
NBCUniversal: The Return of "Roundball Rock"
While Amazon takes the streaming lane, NBCUniversal takes the broadcast lane. Older fans remember the 1990s as the golden era of the NBA on NBC. The network is paying an estimated $2.5 billion per year to reclaim a spot in the rotation. This is a massive upgrade in terms of over-the-air visibility compared to TNT, which required a cable subscription.
- Sunday Night Basketball NBC will revitalize its "Sunday Night Basketball" franchise. After the NFL season ends, Sunday nights will be dominated by marquee NBA matchups on national TV.
- Peacock Simulcasts
The return of NBC is strategic. It puts games in more homes for free (via antenna) than TNT ever could. This visibility is vital for the league's growth.
The Fate of "Inside the NBA"
The biggest concern regarding who will replace TNT in the NBA was never really about the games; it was about the show. "Inside the NBA" with Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal is widely considered the best studio show in sports history.
Fortunately, a unique settlement saved the show. Warner Bros. Discovery sued the NBA after their matching rights were rejected. The settlement resulted in a licensing agreement. TNT will continue to produce "Inside the NBA" at their studios in Atlanta, but the show will air on ESPN and ABC.
This means fans get the best of both worlds. The chemistry of the cast remains untouched, but they will provide coverage for big events like the NBA Finals, which are hosted by ABC. This move prevents the fan revolt that would have occurred had the show been cancelled. It is a rare "win-win" in the cutthroat world of corporate media rights.
Financial Impact on the League
The transition away from TNT is driven by finances. The new deal is worth $76 billion over 11 years. This massive influx of cash will reshape the league's economics. The salary cap is expected to rise significantly (though smoothed over time to prevent a 2016-style spike), and player contracts will reach astronomical new heights.
- Salary Cap Growth 👈 The cap will increase by up to 10% annually, allowing teams to retain more star talent and sign larger contracts.
- Player Empowerment 👈 With more money in the system, players will have even more leverage. We may see the first $100 million-per-year player contract within the lifespan of this deal.
- Global Expansion 👈 The money from Amazon and the increased reach helps fund the NBA's expansion into international markets, potentially leading to new franchises in Europe or Mexico City.
- WNBA Investment 👈 A portion of this media revenue is earmarked for the WNBA, which is seeing its own explosion in popularity. This ensures the long-term stability of the women's league.
- Expansion Teams 👈 With the media rights deal settled, the NBA is expected to announce expansion teams (likely Las Vegas and Seattle). The media partners are already prepared to broadcast these new franchises.
- Technological Upgrades 👈 Amazon and NBC are expected to introduce 4K streaming, advanced analytics overlays, and interactive viewing options that TNT's traditional cable broadcast could not offer.
By understanding the financial motivations, fans can see why the NBA chose Amazon and NBC over staying loyal to TNT. It secures the financial health of the league through the 2030s.
Connecting with the Modern Fan
The decision on who will replace TNT in the NBA was heavily influenced by changing viewer habits. Younger fans do not subscribe to cable. They stream. By partnering with Amazon Prime Video and Peacock, the NBA is meeting fans where they are. This strategy involves connecting with brands and platforms that dominate modern life.
- Ease of Access Most households already have Amazon Prime for shipping. Adding NBA games to that subscription lowers the barrier to entry for casual fans who wouldn't pay for cable.
- Interactive Features Streaming platforms allow for "X-Ray" stats, alternative audio feeds, and integrated betting odds, which appeals to the fantasy sports and gambling demographic.
- Mobile Viewing The NBC and Amazon apps are generally rated higher for stability and user experience than traditional cable apps, making mobile viewing seamless.
- Global Consistency Amazon provides a unified platform. A fan in France and a fan in the USA might watch the same feed, simplifying the global marketing message.
- Merchandise Integration Expect Amazon to integrate "shop the look" features, where you can buy a player's jersey directly from the screen while watching the game.
- Cross-Promotion NBC can promote NBA games during the Olympics and NFL Sunday Night Football, creating a massive cross-sport marketing funnel.
- Youth Engagement The "House of Highlights" deal ensures that even if kids don't watch full games, they consume the best moments on TikTok and Instagram, funneling them toward the live streams.
- Data-Driven Scheduling Amazon and NBC will use viewer data to optimize start times and matchups, ensuring the best games get the most eyes.
In summary, replacing TNT is about modernization. The NBA is betting that the future is digital and that Amazon and NBC are the vehicles to take them there. While nostalgia hurts, the accessibility benefits for the average fan are undeniable.
Preparing for the 2025 Transition
Fans have one more season (2024-2025) to enjoy the NBA on TNT in its current format. After that, the transition begins. It is important to start preparing for how you will watch games in the future. The fragmentation of rights means you may need multiple subscriptions.
To watch everything, a fan will likely need an antenna (or cable) for ABC/NBC/ESPN, a Peacock subscription, and an Amazon Prime subscription. This fragmentation is the main criticism of the deal. However, for cord-cutters who only use streaming services, it might actually become cheaper than a premium cable bundle.
The league is also expected to launch an updated version of League Pass that integrates these partners, though details on blackout restrictions remain to be seen. The key takeaway is adaptation. Just as fans adapted from tape delay to live TV, and from standard def to HD, they will adapt to the streaming era.
Challenges and Opportunities
The question of who will replace TNT in the NBA is answered, but challenges remain. NBC and Amazon must prove they can produce broadcasts that match the high quality TNT established. TNT was known for its storytelling, camera angles, and audio quality.
- Building Chemistry.
- Technical Stability.
- Scheduling Logistics.
- Marketing New Habits.
- Retaining Old Fans.
- Innovating Coverage.
- Managing Costs.
Conclusion: In the end, the answer to who will replace TNT in the NBA is a combination of Amazon Prime Video and NBCUniversal, with Disney (ESPN) remaining a pillar. This trio forms the most lucrative media partnership in sports history. The deal secures the league's financial future, brings games to broadcast TV for free access, and pushes the sport into the digital streaming age.
While saying goodbye to the NBA on TNT is the end of a cherished chapter, the retention of "Inside the NBA" and the return of "Roundball Rock" offer a bridge between the past and the future. Fans can look forward to higher production values, better global access, and a new golden era of basketball consumption starting in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does TNT officially stop airing NBA games?
A: TNT will stop airing live NBA games after the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season (around June 2025).
Q: Will "Inside the NBA" be cancelled?
A: No. Warner Bros. Discovery reached a settlement with the NBA to license the show to ESPN/ABC. Shaq, Chuck, Kenny, and Ernie will continue the show on the new network.
Q: Do I need Amazon Prime to watch NBA games in 2025?
A: Yes, for a specific package of games (approx. 66 games/year), including Thursday nights and the NBA Cup, you will need an Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Q: Will games be on free TV?
A: Yes. NBC and ABC will broadcast many games. These can be viewed for free with a digital antenna, without any subscription.
Q: How much is the new NBA media deal worth?
A: The deal is valued at approximately $76 billion over 11 years.
Q: Will NBC bring back the "Roundball Rock" theme song?
A: Yes, NBC has confirmed that John Tesh's iconic "Roundball Rock" theme will return for their NBA coverage.