TNT and NBC’s Raging Battle Will Greatly Benefit NBA Stars, Claims Heat VP Alonzo Mourning

If rumors are to be believed, the NBA is up for some major changes. The one that has gripped fans’ and enthusiasts’ interest is the most heated bidding competition between TNT and NBC. However, while the winner of this war is hard to predict right now, a former NBA player claimed that it could benefit some people.

Making an appearance on Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson’s ‘All The Smoke’ podcast, Alonzo Mourning believes that no matter which way the wind blows, it will benefit the NBA players with more coverage and opportunities. 

During the conversation, Mourning said, “From my understanding, there’s going to be some competition with NBC and TNT so I mean that’s going to be it’s going to be worth the price of admission to watch that… you know so the players are going to benefit greatly from it.”

TNT Sports has held onto the NBA rights for more than a decade now. However, now it has to compete against NBC, which offered twice the TNT’s annual pay. With that NBA will gain more profit if they decide to sign a deal with NBC.

Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley are the most favorite hosts of TNT Inside the NBA. And both are worried and stressed about the situation. Previously, Chuck had also commented that he would end his deal with TNT if it were to lose its NBA rights after it expires in the 2024-2025 season. A special opt-out clause permits them to do so. 

Shaq’s ex-agent Leonard Armato seems to resonate the same thought process in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports. As per him, both Chuck and Shaq are too important to be separated, no matter who acquires the NBA media rights deal.

But coming back to the trio, they also seem to be discussing another important situation in the league.

Alonzo Mourning weighs in on the business side of the NBA 

The retired NBA player was asked about the current playing style in the league. Barnes asked him how the league has made a few changes and perhaps become a bit softer and easier for international players compared to the past. In response, Mourning suggested that the mentality has changed along with the growth of the league. 

Furthermore, recalling a conversation with NBA commissioner David Stern, the Miami Heat vice president shared that the most important factor behind this is global inclusivity. “When you think about the business perspective of it you know it’s like you know the volume of eyes that are Global really you know it has been a lot more beneficial for the league because from an international perspective now we’re sparking the interest of this young hungry generation of Europeans and International players,” Mourning said. 

He further emphasized how it also gets young, talented players from around the world interested in basketball. What is your take on this? Let us know in the comments section below.