News: NBA media rights update, Belichick, Redick

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 12: Detail view of an NBA Wilson basketball during an NBA basketball game between the Sacramento Kings and the LA Clippers on December 12, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire)

The NBA is closer than initially thought to reaching media rights extensions with ESPN and Warner Bros. Discovery. Plus: Bill Belichick would become a regular “Manningcast” guest under a potential deal with Omaha Productions; JJ Redick is being termed a “serious candidate” for the Hornets coaching job.

NBA closer than expected to deals with ESPN, WBD

ESPN, Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA made more progress during their exclusive negotiating window than initially thought and as of Monday were close to a handshake agreement on a new media rights deal, John Ourand of Puck reported Monday. In addition, per Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal and Joe Flint of the Wall Street Journal, both ESPN and WBD are able under the existing contract to match any deal the NBA reaches with a third party like Amazon or Comcast. The NBA’s exclusive negotiating window with ESPN and WBD lapsed Monday and the league is now free to talk with other companies.

Belichick close to Omaha deal that would include regular appearances on Manningcast

Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is close to reaching a deal with Omaha Productions to appear regularly on ESPN’s Peyton and Eli Manning-hosted Monday Night Football “Manningcast,” Andrew Marchand of The Athletic wrote Wednesday. Belichick’s dalliance with the Manning-owned production company has been well-documented. In addition to the “Manningcast” role, it is possible that Belichick would also be part of a separate Omaha-produced football program.

Redick a “serious candidate” for Hornets, may interview for other jobs

NBA reporter Shams Charania said on the FanDuel morning show “Run it Back” Wednesday that ESPN NBA analyst JJ Redick has completed his interview for the Charlotte Hornets coaching job and is a “serious candidate” for the position. He added that Redick has a “strong desire” to enter coaching and may interview for additional jobs in the current coaching cycle.

Redick joined ESPN’s lead NBA analyst team midway through this season as a replacement for Doc Rivers, who left ESPN just three months into his second stint with the company.

Monday (4/22) sports ratings: NBA Playoffs, Stanley Cup and little else

Jon Lewis

Jon Lewis has been covering the sports media industry on a daily basis since 2006 as the founder and main writer of Sports Media Watch. You can contact him here or on the social media websites X (Twitter) or Bluesky.

Courtesy: Derek Futterman, Sports Media Watch

Scenes from an electric NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden

by Derek Futterman

1 week ago

When the final buzzer sounded at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night, the crowd remained on its feet giving...

3EMXN01 Chicago Bulls television color commentator Stacey King laughs while taking in warmups before a game against the New York Knicks at the United Center in Chicago on November 12, 2019. King, a former Bulls player who won three NBA championships with Michael Jordan, was working as the team's broadcast analyst for the regular season matchup. (Photo by Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/TNS/Sipa USA)

On the Air: Stacey King and the value of the local NBA analyst

by Armand Broady

2 weeks ago

Armand Broady looks back at the late Stacey King and what makes local TV analysts such an important part...

Chicago Bulls television announcer Stacey King in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Longtime Bulls analyst Stacey King has died

by Jon Lewis

2 weeks ago

One of the best-known local NBA voices, longtime Bulls TV analyst Stacey King, has passed away.

San Antonio, TX - June 3, 2026 - Frost Bank Center: Mike Breen prior to game one of the 2026 NBA Finals.
(Photo by Ben Solomon / ESPN Images)

On the Air: The staying power of NBA Finals voice Mike Breen

by Armand Broady

2 weeks ago

On the latest "On the Air," Armand Broady examines the journey of Mike Breen to the voice of the...

Comments 7

Hello Larry says:

2 years ago

I never expected ESPN and WBD to not reup with the NBA, but I do think they’re still adding in NBC, as we’re going to see how that goes now that the exclusive negotiating window has ended, and they can now talk to outside suitors.

I still wonder if we can hear something with a surprise partner like a CBS or CW? I think CW couldbe in play here on a smaller 4th package. Maybe WBD can partner with a broadcaster like we see with CBS and March Madness to simulcast the NBA Finals. I know those rumors were out there, I think last year.
- Jon Lewis says:
  
  2 years ago
  
  You never know, but I would say CBS is more likely than CW — and CBS is not particularly likely.
Samuel says:

2 years ago

I have a feeling nothing is changing, I don’t know why. I think it’s still only going to be ESPN/ABC and TNT. Maybe some midweek games like Tuesday and Wednesday head to a streamer like Amazon but I actually don’t think NBC is getting rights. That ship literally sailed 22 years ago as much as the nostalgia factor would be nice for people like me who remember those days.
- Hello Larry says:
  
  2 years ago
  
  I disagree, I think they’ll get something done with NBC. This was just the exclusive negotiating window with the exisiting networks. I never believed the NBA was leaving ESPN or WBD, but that doesn’t mean they’re not bringing in another broadcasting partner. Now, they’re going to be talking to outside suiotrs and this is where we’re going to see how things go for Comcast negotiations with NBC Sports. Adam Silver talked about wanting more broadcast games in the future, and he can assure this by getting a package with NBC. There was even rumors of Sunday Night Basketball, so the NBA is definitely coming back to NBC. My question was if the WNBA would be joining them in the future?
esl says:

2 years ago

Jon, curious to get your thoughts on if NBC will get a piece of the NBA contract? Do you think they still have a shot? Or will it just be 1 streamer (probably Amazon?)?
- Jon Lewis says:
  
  2 years ago
  
  I think it’s very possible. Wouldn’t call it a lock or anything, but I think it’s slightly more likely than not at this point.
- Matt Galvin says:
  
  2 years ago
  
  CBS?