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The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the parent company of Turner Sports, have reached a settlement in their lawsuit over a new $76.9 billion media rights deal. The agreement resolves all disputes related to the league's recent broadcasting contracts and ensures the iconic "Inside the NBA" show will continue airing, but on ESPN and ABC starting next season.

Settlement Ends Lawsuit Over NBA Media Rights Deal

In a joint statement released Monday, the NBA and WBD announced they will "extend their long-standing media partnership" under the new 11-year deal that takes effect in the 2025-26 season. The settlement brings an end to WBD's legal challenge filed in New York state court, which alleged that the NBA breached its contract by excluding Turner Sports from its latest broadcasting agreements in favor of adding NBCUniversal and Amazon Prime.

A “stipulation of discontinuance with prejudice” was filed on the New York Supreme Court docket, officially closing the case. Both parties have agreed not to comment further on the settlement.

Turner Sports Loses NBA Broadcast Rights But Gains Expanded Digital Content

The new NBA media rights deal includes returning league partner ESPN/Disney while adding NBC and Amazon, leaving Turner out of live game broadcasts after 35 years of coverage. Turner Sports had aired NBA games since 1988 and introduced the beloved "Inside the NBA" studio show in 1989. WBD’s lawsuit claimed that the NBA violated a matching-rights clause by accepting Amazon's streaming package over its digital offer.

However, Monday's settlement announcement indicated that WBD will receive "expanded global content and highlight rights" for NBA coverage across its platforms, including TNT Sports, Bleacher Report, and House of Highlights. WBD will also continue its digital partnership with the NBA, including managing the NBA League Pass subscription service.

"Inside the NBA" Moves to ESPN and ABC, Turner to Handle Production

As part of the agreement, the award-winning "Inside the NBA" show, featuring host Ernie Johnson and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, will transition to ESPN and ABC's coverage. The show will be integrated into ESPN’s pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage of marquee regular-season matchups, playoff games, and the NBA Finals. Turner Sports will independently produce the show from its Atlanta studio, while Disney networks handle distribution.

ESPN will continue to air its own studio programs, including "NBA Countdown." ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised the addition of "Inside the NBA," calling it "one of the best and most culturally impactful shows in sports."

Executives Praise Settlement and Future Collaboration

David Zaslav, CEO of WBD, expressed optimism about the new agreement, stating, "We are pleased to partner with the NBA and Disney/ESPN, and to have solidified long-term rights and revenue for WBD." He emphasized that the expanded rights will enhance the reach of TNT Sports and WBD’s other sports brands.