The Town with Matthew Belloni WBD’s Billion-Dollar War on the NBA
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Jul 26, 2024 
Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins to dive deep into the broadcasting rights clash between Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA. They dissect WBD’s lawsuit after the NBA rejected its matching offer and weigh the strengths of both sides. The discussion highlights the shifting dynamics between traditional cable and streaming services, and the challenges of sports viewership in a rapidly evolving landscape. Shaw also reflects on the strategic public relations maneuvers impacting the narrative around this high-stakes battle.
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Zaslav's Miscalculation
- David Zaslav's strategy of downplaying the NBA's importance backfired.
- This miscalculation stemmed from an underestimation of other bidders and the NBA's negotiating strength.
Cable Guy Mentality
- Zaslav's cable background influenced his negotiating approach, mirroring typical cable carriage disputes.
- He likely assumed a deal would be reached, but the NBA's rejection forced a more aggressive stance.
Studio Legal Battles
- Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery clashed legally over South Park streaming rights.
- Fox sued Warner Bros. over Watchmen rights just before release, demonstrating studio conflicts.