MIES (Switzerland) - FIBA has reached terms with TNT Sports, part of global entertainment giant Warner Bros. Discovery, who are set to supercharge the coverage of top-level international basketball in the United States.
Synonymous with basketball in the country, TNT Sports is a market leader with a glowing reputation both on and off the court, and this new partnership with FIBA will facilitate a major expansion of the breadth of live games on linear television over the coming years.
The collaboration will offer viewers the chance to see the most prestigious international basketball competitions and marquee events until the end of 2029, including the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 this September in Germany and the flagship FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar.
This extensive linear television distribution will be delivered via the TNT, TBS and truTV networks and will also be complemented with broader coverage of FIBA events through the HBO Max streaming service.
As a strategically crucial element of the partnership, the extensive TNT Sports digital media ecosystem, which includes the likes of Bleacher Report, House of Highlights and B/R W - all of which are some of the most trusted and highly followed digital brands across the basketball world – will bring the international game to life on social and digital platforms, maximizing the reach of FIBA events.
The new TNT Sports deal tips off with the upcoming FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 11 to 17.
The competition will see the USA take on the host, along with Italy, New Zealand, Senegal and Spain. There will be plenty of excitement building ahead of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin later this year, with the highly anticipated senior debuts on the world stage of Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese in these Qualifiers for the USA.
On the men's front, all eyes next year will be on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027: USA is currently 3-1 in the Americas Qualifiers and will play their next game against the Dominican Republic on July 3. While they enter the main tournament as defending Olympic champions, the team will be looking to improve on their performance in the last FIBA Basketball World Cup, where they placed fourth in 2023.
Furthermore, the agreement bolsters the growing portfolio of top-flight basketball across the various platforms of TNT Sports, which includes the full regular season coverage of BIG EAST men's and women's basketball, Big 12 men's basketball and joint presentation of the NCAA men's tournament.
Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services, commented: "This deal is one that we can proudly say will take the profile of international basketball to a whole new level in USA, and we are certainly excited to be partnering with TNT Sports.
"It's important that in a nation like USA, which is so synonymous with basketball, we have as many top-quality international games broadcast in the market as possible. We are particularly looking forward to the launch, and especially with so much of the spotlight on the Women's World Cup," concluded Leenders.
"This partnership with FIBA adds another marquee basketball property to TNT Sports' portfolio and grows further our leadership position in women’s sports, while also delivering for U.S. fans a new way to experience elite international competition," said Anthony D'Inverno, VP of Content Acquisitions at TNT Sports.
"From the Women's Basketball World Cup qualifiers to some of the sport's biggest national team tournaments, we're excited to showcase these events across all of TNT Sports networks and platforms, bringing fans closer to the players and stories that define international basketball."
This agreement was negotiated by FIBA Media, the strategic partnership between FIBA and DAZN. ### About FIBA FIBA (fiba.basketball) - the world governing body for basketball - is an independent association formed by 212 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognized as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). For further information about FIBA, visit fiba.basketball or follow FIBA on facebook.com/fiba, x.com/fiba, instagram.com/fiba and youtube.com/fiba.
About TNT SPORTS TNT Sports is a global leader in the delivery of premium sports content. The TNT Sports U.S. portfolio includes expansive, multi-platform partnerships with Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, National Hockey League, United States Soccer Federation, College Football Playoff games, BIG EAST, Big 12, Unrivaled, NASCAR and Roland-Garros.
TNT Sports also produces the iconic Inside the NBA studio show. Owned and operated platforms are highlighted by Bleacher Report, the #1 digital destination for young sports fans, along with House of Highlights, B/R W, Golf Digest, and a full suite of digital and social portfolio brands.
Additionally, TNT Sports co-manages NCAA.com and NCAA March Madness Live. TNT Sports in Europe and the Republic of Ireland includes partnerships with the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup, UEFA, Premiership Rugby, MotoGP, British and World Superbikes, UFC, Australian Open and Roland-Garros, Grand Tour Cycling, the UCI Mountain Bike World Series, every major winter sports World Championship and World Cup event, and the Olympic Games 2026-2032.