TNT Sports secures broadcasting rights for early-round College Football Playoff games previously held by ESPN

TNT has made a strategic move into the college football business by securing a deal with ESPN to broadcast early-round College Football Playoff games, starting in the 2024 season. This development comes at a crucial time for TNT as its NBA rights are hanging in the balance.

The five-year agreement with ESPN will see TNT sublicense rights to broadcast two first-round playoff games for each of the next five seasons. Additionally, TNT will acquire rights to broadcast two quarterfinal games each year for the remainder of the deal, starting in the 2026 season.

This announcement coincides with the introduction of a new 12-team CFP format, set to be implemented after the 2024 regular season. ESPN has extended its exclusive rights to broadcast CFP games through the 2031 season, with a rights fee averaging $1.3 billion per season. Now, TNT will share those rights with ESPN, marking a significant shift in the college football broadcasting landscape.

However, TNT’s foray into college football comes as its NBA rights face uncertainty. Reports suggest that the NBA is finalizing media rights contracts with Disney/ESPN, NBC, and Amazon, potentially leaving TNT without NBA broadcasting rights beyond the 2024-25 season.

The potential loss of NBA rights could have far-reaching implications for TNT, including the future of popular shows like “Inside the NBA” and the professional fate of its renowned hosts and broadcasters. As TNT navigates this pivotal moment, the network’s move into college football signals a strategic shift in its sports broadcasting portfolio.