LyricalRico wrote:^ I thought re-doing the TV deal was already happening in 2016, which is what will cause the cap to explode. I agree that it has to be lucrative for all parties, but it seems like the money's there.
That was my point, the 2016 TV deal (already signed) was made under the current conference/league/playoff structure and advertising revenue was also estimated using the current setup. A drastic realignment could render parts of that agreement void, or require significant modifications.
Just don't see it happening. NBA made away like bandits with that deal, TNT and most mid tier networks are going to be hemorrhaging money in 5 years. Live sports and HBO are the last two things keeping most people subscribed to cable. HBO broke rank with HBO NOW, live sports is the last weapon cable has.....and its ultimate downfall.
And hey - if this deal goes as bad for the networks as you think it will, maybe that will spark a discussion of revamping how the NBA does business. Necessity is the mother of invention (or, in this case, realignment)!