ClutchBasket: Basketball News

 

Warner Bros. Discovery and the National Basketball Association Reach Agreement to Expand Long-Standing Partnership

 

NBA and WBD Agree to 11-Year Partnership that will Promote NBA Content & Accelerate Global Growth of TNT Sports and its Leading Digital Brands Bleacher Report & House of Highlights

 

TNT Sports Continues to Produce Emmy Award-Winning Inside the NBA,

Airing on ESPN/ABC Through Innovative Partnership with ESPN

 

Reimagined & Enhanced NBA Digital Partnership to Include Significant Advertising

and Promotional Commitments Across NBA and WBD Platforms

 

WBD Bolsters Global Sports Portfolio with Full Live NBA Game Package Including the

Regular Season and Playoffs in Several Markets Outside the U.S.

 

The National Basketball Association and Warner Bros. Discovery have reached an agreement that will extend their long-standing media partnership an additional 11 years. Per the terms of the agreement, the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery will expand their business partnership including several components that will promote NBA content and accelerate the global growth and reach of TNT Sports and its leading sports digital brands Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. The deal also includes a reimagined and enhanced NBA Digital partnership between the NBA and TNT Sports and a full package of live game rights in a number of territories outside the U.S., strengthening WBD’s global portfolio.

 

In addition, WBD and the NBA have resolved all disputes relating to the NBA’s recent media agreements.

 

TNT Sports and its portfolio of brands will receive a global license to create, produce and distribute new and existing NBA content across its platforms. The agreement includes expanded global content and highlight rights for TNT Sports, Bleacher Report and House of Highlights, with the ability to produce and distribute NBA content across the WBD portfolio, along with meaningful promotion, sales and creative commitments across both NBA and WBD platforms.

 

Concurrent with this agreement, WBD and ESPN have agreed to enter an innovative partnership. TNT Sports will continue to fully create and produce Inside the NBA, with its iconic studio show being distributed on ESPN and ABC. Beginning with the 2025-26 season, Inside the NBA, the recipient of 21 Emmy Awards, will air on ESPN and ABC throughout the regular season and NBA Playoffs. TNT Sports will also continue to develop new content for air on its WBD platforms featuring TNT’s Inside the NBA studio talent including innovative programs such as an “Inside Sports” show currently in development for next season.

 

Associated with the agreement between WBD and ESPN, TNT Sports will now televise an exclusive slate of Big 12 football (13 games each season) and men’s basketball (15 games each season) starting with the 2025 season. This builds on TNT Sports’ agreement with ESPN to present the College Football Playoffs with TNT showcasing a pair of First Round games beginning this December.

 

Additionally, WBD has been granted live NBA game telecast rights in the Nordics (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden), along with Poland and Latin America (excluding Brazil and Mexico) for the next 11 years. In connection with this live game telecast package, WBD will provide broad reach, local language commentary and promotional opportunities for the NBA’s marketing partners.

 

“Together these agreements ensure fans will continue to enjoy TNT’s Inside the NBA and create tremendous value for our entire portfolio as we accelerate the growth of TNT Sports, Bleacher Report, House of Highlights and our global sports business,” said David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery. “We are pleased to partner with the NBA and Disney/ESPN, and to have solidified long-term rights and revenue for WBD.”

 

“The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning Inside the NBA is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We look forward to building on our longstanding partnership with TNT Sports and working together to promote NBA content across key WBD and NBA platforms.”

 

WBD’s agreement with the NBA also includes a shared commitment to accelerate the global growth of Bleacher Report and House of Highlights – the top digital destinations for highly-engaged, young sport fans – through a new global license that includes expansive content and highlight rights, as well as game access to produce NBA-related content. Bleacher Report and House of Highlights receive widespread promotion across NBA assets, and the NBA will create a section of its digital products (e.g. the NBA App and NBA.com) that will feature basketball-related content produced by B/R, HoH and TNT Sports.

 

The agreement also reimagines and continues the NBA Digital partnership between the NBA and TNT Sports for five seasons, under which the NBA can engage WBD to provide promotion and a variety of services, including production, content development and sales operations services. WBD will also be a strategic promotional partner for NBA League Pass and, through promotion on B/R, HoH and other WBD digital platforms, help accelerate League Pass subscriber acquisition. In addition, advertising for NBA properties and initiatives will run on WBD linear channels and digital platforms.

 

TNT Sports, which has been a national rightsholder with the NBA since 1984, has garnered more than 190 Sports Emmy nominations and 45 wins for its NBA coverage. TNT Sports and the NBA have jointly managed NBA Digital, the league’s collection of media assets, since 2009. 

 

About TNT Sports 
TNT Sports is a global leader in the delivery of premium sports content. The TNT Sports U.S. portfolio includes expansive, multi-platform partnerships with the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, National Hockey League, United States Soccer Federation, Mountain West and, starting in 2025, Unrivaled, Roland-Garros, NASCAR and the BIG EAST. Owned and operated platforms are highlighted by Bleacher Report, the #1 digital destination for young sports fans, along with House of Highlights, HighlightHER, Golf Digest, and a full suite of digital and social portfolio brands. Additionally, TNT Sports co-manages NBA Digital — comprised of NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE Pass, the NBA App and NBAGLEAGUE.com — as well as NCAA.com and NCAA March Madness Live. TNT Sports in Europe and the Republic of Ireland includes partnerships with the NBA, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UFC, WWE and more, as well as much-loved brands Eurosport, Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) and multi-sport programming and content on discovery+ and Discovery’s free-to-air TV networks.

BUCKS’ DOC RIVERS FINED

 

NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2024 – Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has been fined $25,000 for public criticism of the officiating, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.

 

Rivers’ comments took place during the post-game press conference following the team’s 115-114 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 16 at Spectrum Center.

HORNETS’ LAMELO BALL FINED

 

NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2024 – Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $100,000 for making an offensive and derogatory comment in a postgame interview, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. 

 

Ball’s comments occurred following the Hornets’ 115-114 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 16 at Spectrum Center.

 

Ub win FIBA 3x3 World Tour Shenzhen 2024

NOVEMBER 17, 2024 Shenzhen (China) - Ub Huishan NE celebrated a momentous victory at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Shenzhen 2024 tournament. They clinched their fifth World Tour win of the year by staving off rivals Paris, 20-12, in front of some energetic fans in the final held on 17 November at the Vanke Dynamic Community Sports Park in Shenzhen, China. Ub achieved a momentous victory, especially after starting slow here in Shenzhen. In this tournament, they demonstrated their resiliency by surviving pool play on the first day and maintaining a winning streak in the knockout rounds on the second day. After an opening loss to St. Pauli (GER), Ub's path to the Final included a tight win over NY Harlem (USA) and more victories against Vienna (AUT) and Amsterdam (NED). In the championship match, they faced Paris, which was led by Hugo Suhard and Franck Seguela. As anticipated, the showdown between Ub and Paris was quite heated. However, Ub's size and consistent offense proved to be too much. Strahinja Stojacic shone the brightest under the spotlight. Not surprisingly, Doctor Strange received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the tournament. The Serbian stalwart showcased his offensive prowess throughout the event. He led the entire field in player value with 45.6 as well as highlights with 31. That's on top of scoring a total of 30 points, grabbing 16 rebounds and tallying 6 dunks. In the crucial moments of the final, Stojacic and the aggressive Dejan Majstorovic emerged as the game-changers for Ub. Their outstanding performances in the Final secured Ub's fifth Masters event win of the year. Stojacic's performance in the Final included 5 points, 6 rebounds, 4 key assist, and 6 highlights, earning him the prestigious honor of Shenzhen World Tour MVP. In the individual competitions, Steve Sir (Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy) tallied 12 points to take the Avant Shoot Out Contest crown, while He "HR" Rui prevailed in the Maurice Lacroix Dunk Contest. FINAL STANDINGS 1. Ub Huishan NE (SRB) 2. Paris (FRA) 3. Amsterdam (NED) 4. Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) 5. St. Pauli (GER) 6. Princeton (USA) 7. Vienna (AUT) 8. Kandava Turība (LAT) 9. Liman (SRB) 10. Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) 11. NY Harlem (USA) 12. Kanchanaburi K2P (THA) 13. Lausanne (SUI) 14. Ermont SENEF (FRA) 15. Taipei WanBao (TPE) 16. Al Wakrah (QAT) After a short break, the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2024 Final commences (November 23 - 25) in Hong Kong. FIBA About FIBA 3x3 Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court. It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly professional circuit for men and women (World Tour and Women’s Series respectively) and national-team competitions. 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Wilson is the Global Ball Partner and Maurice Lacroix the Official Timekeeper of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2024. FIBA 3x3 events are played on Enlio floors with Wilson balls, Schelde backstops, Bodet shot-clocks, the Magic Sky canopy and the Avant seating system. For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on Douyin, Facebook, Instagram, Sina Weibo, Tencent, TikTok, Twitch, Twitter, Youku and YouTube or contact 3x3@fiba.basketball. TIMBERWOLVES’ ANTHONY EDWARDS FINED   NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2024 – Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $35,000 for making an obscene gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.   The incident occurred with 3:15 remaining in the first quarter of the Timberwolves’ 130-126 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 15 at Golden 1 Center. COURT UNVEILED FOR EMIRATES NBA CUP 2024 SEMIFINALS AND CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES IN LAS VEGAS - Court Replica Unveiled This Weekend at ComplexCon in Las Vegas - The NBA today unveiled the court that will be used for the Semifinals (Saturday, Dec. 14) and Championship (Tuesday, Dec. 17) games of the Emirates NBA Cup 2024, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Designed by artist Victor Solomon, the overall aesthetic remains consistent with the team courts used throughout the Group Play and Quarterfinals.  Additional design details include the following: The court features three concentric circles radiating from center court in tonal hues of gold. These circles represent the three stages of competition in the Emirates NBA Cup: Group Play The Quarterfinals The Semifinals and Championship, held in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena The bracket motif in the concentric circles is a nod to the tournament style play. The NBA Cup is featured at center court and in the lanes.  The event logo is featured in the center jump circle. The blue and red gradient represents the Eastern and Western Conference, respectively.   A replica of the court will be unveiled at ComplexCon, taking place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16-17 at Las Vegas Convention Center, where attendees can take to the court to test their skills in knockout and 3-Point challenges, meet NBA legends, attend a Timeout Talk that explores the intersection of sport and fashion and more.   The NBA additionally debuted a new game ball on Tuesday that will be used throughout Emirates NBA Cup games.  The Wilson logo features a red (on one side) and royal (on the other side) bracket graphic inside the letters, with the event logo featured on the top panel.  Similar to the gradient on the neutral-site court, the blue and red colors on the basketball represent the Eastern and Western Conference, respectively.  Four panels feature a lightly etched bracket pattern.  The ball is made of the same leather and eight-panel configuration as the Wilson Official Game Ball.   The Emirates NBA Cup continues tonight, featuring an ESPN doubleheader with the Los Angeles Lakers visiting the San Antonio Spurs at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Golden State Warriors hosting the Memphis Grizzles at 10 p.m. ET.   ORLANDO MAGIC COLE ANTHONY NAMED NBA CARES BOB LANIER COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD OCTOBER WINNER - Anthony Hosted a Financial Literacy Workshop, Fundraising Events and Youth Basketball Clinics to Support Health and Wellness -  - NBA to donate $10,000 to 50 Ways Foundation - NEW YORK, November 15, 2024 – The NBA today announced Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony as the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for the month of October.  Anthony is being recognized for his work supporting youth health and wellness through hosting a financial literacy workshop, fundraising events and youth basketball clinics.  Anthony will receive the David Robinson trophy, and the NBA will donate $10,000 to his 50 Ways Foundation.   Each year Anthony gives back to the place he grew up, New York.  Before the start of the season, Anthony hosted his fifth annual charity weekend in Harlem.  As part of the weekend, Anthony held his second “The Playbook” event, bringing together some of New York City’s top high school basketball players for a workshop focused on building financial literacy.  Anthony participated on a panel with financial professionals to discuss the importance of saving and budgeting, strengthening one’s credit score, hiring the right financial advisors and how to navigate Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) opportunities.  In addition to “The Playbook,” Anthony hosted a free basketball clinic for local youth, donated over 500 backpacks for students and held a charity Pro-Am game at The Harlem Police Athletic League over the weekend.   Anthony, along with the Orlando Magic team, hosted nearly 3,200 fourth and fifth graders at Kia Center as part of the Magic and Orange County Public Schools’ (OCPS) annual Pick, Read and Roll event.  During the event, Anthony motivated the students to pursue academic success and emphasized the importance of reading.  Anthony also recognized 150 students for their outstanding accomplishments in reading during the previous school year.  OCPS data shows, students who participate in the Pick, Read and Roll event experience a 30% increase in their reading scores, further demonstrating the impact that Anthony and the Orlando Magic had as a result of the event.   During the summer, Anthony also supported two local events in Central Florida through his 50 Ways Foundation.  Anthony’s foundation supported City of Orlando District 6 Commissioner Bakari Burn’s Back to School Bash at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center by providing essential back to school items for more than 500 youth.  Additionally, Anthony surprised more than 50 youth at the Ivey Lane Neighborhood Center in Orlando to provide dinner, clothing, school essentials and more.   “For me, it’s a really big deal to give back to the youth of Central Florida and back home in New York,” said Anthony.  “This is important because it’s bigger than basketball.  Basketball obviously is a big part of my life, but there are other aspects as well like giving back to the community and assisting people who are less fortunate.  However I can try to help ease the burden a little, that’s what I try to do.” Anthony will be recognized in-arena as the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner during the 76ers-Magic game on Nov. 15.  Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins and Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman will present him with the award.   The NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award honors Bob Lanier, an NBA League Office executive and NBA Cares Ambassador for more than 30 years.  He had an enormous influence on the NBA family and young people globally, traveling the world to teach the values of the game and making a positive impact through his kindness and generosity.  The legacy he built will continue to live on through the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award recognition, which honors the next generation of players’ commitment to positively impacting their community throughout the NBA season.  Over the course of each NBA season, there is an offseason winner followed by seven monthly award winners.  The offseason winner receives the Bob Lanier trophy, and each monthly winner receives the David Robinson trophy.  The NBA also makes a donation to the charity or foundation of the player’s choice.  To learn more, please visit https://communityassist.nba.com/.   2024 Migration Report highlights ongoing surge in International Transfers NOVEMBER 7, 2024 MIES/NEUCHATEL (Switzerland) - FIBA, the world governing body, and the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) have published the International Basketball Migration Report (IBMR) 2024, revealing an all-time high in international transfers. The 13th edition of the annual report investigated FIBA’s data on international transfers with the CIES's renowned analytical expertise to provide insight into the player movement trends as well as other global basketball tendencies for the period 2023-24.  Basketball continued to grow globally and with it the IBMR 2024 indicated more records were broken. For the first time since the introduction of the IBMR after the 2010-11 season, there were more than 13,000 international transfers with 13,149 moves recorded. The numbers of men's transfers (10,051) and women's transfers (3,098) both set new standards.  The number of international transfers - up from 11,787 for 2022-23 - has increased 113% since the 2010-11 season. Twenty percent of players with an international transfer move twice within the same calendar year. A Global Snapshot The United States remains by far the biggest exporter of players with 2,050 men and women players, with second place being Spain with 708, and France third with 630 players. International players made up 18% of the NBA and 9% of the WNBA rosters. Leagues in Spain, Germany, and Italy have the highest number of foreign players. Argentina has the most U21 players, largely due to the implemented regulations that encourage their inclusion on team rosters.   U21 players receive the most playing time in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Australia is starting to receive more transfers from Europe - particularly from Germany and Great Britain. For Africa, the region maintains a neutral balance in terms of exports-imports. Notably, among the increases globally were more men’s and women's players heading to the United States to play NCAA Division I basketball. A record total of 826 men's international players competed in the college game - up 5.8 percent from the previous season - while women’s college basketball had a record 828 international players - up 7.1 percent from 2022-23. FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said: "I would like to extend my thanks again to CIES for its continued work in this field. This important collaboration is keeping us informed about the increasing number of player transfers and movements, as well as the crucial data derived from the league's analysis. "As we see another rise in numbers of international transfers - now over 13,000 after passing the 11,000 mark from the last report - we will continue to review this trend closely, maintaining our strong focus on exploring the key topics surrounding global player transfers." Zagklis added: "Millions of players worldwide, as well as the 212 National Federations, look to FIBA in its role of safeguarding and also growing the sport around the world. Understanding player movement is a major part in doing that."  Click here to view the full report. SIXERS’ JOEL EMBIID SUSPENDED   NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2024 – Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been suspended three games without pay for shoving a member of the media, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.   Embiid’s actions took place in the 76ers locker room after the team’s 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday at Wells Fargo Center.   “Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” Dumars said.  “While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter’s column, interactions must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical.”   Embiid’s suspension will commence with the next NBA regular season game for which he is eligible and able to play.