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40 Facts About TNT Sports

Persis Garibay

Written by Persis Garibay

Modified & Updated: 05 Jan 2025

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Wbd.com

What makes TNT Sports a powerhouse in sports broadcasting? TNT Sports, formerly known as BT Sport, has transformed into a global leader in premium sports content. Owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT Sports offers extensive coverage of various sports, including Premier League football, NBA games, and UFC matches. Launched in the UK in 2013, it rebranded as TNT Sports in 2023, with plans to merge with Eurosport UK by 2026. Available on platforms like Sky and Virgin Media, TNT Sports holds exclusive rights to high-profile events and operates digital media outlets for the NCAA, NBA, and more. Its commitment to women's sports and diverse programming make it a significant force in sports broadcasting.

Key Takeaways:

  • TNT Sports has a rich history, starting in the 1970s and evolving into a global sports broadcasting leader. It covers a diverse range of sports and has exclusive rights to major events.
  • In the UK, TNT Sports offers extensive coverage of domestic football and rugby, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup. It ensures fans don't miss out on their favorite matches.
Table of Contents
01The Evolution of TNT Sports
02Global Reach and Expansion
03Channel Availability and Platforms
04Exclusive Rights and Digital Presence
05Partnerships and Investments
06Commitment to Women's Sports
07Diverse Sports Portfolio
08UK-Specific Sports Coverage
09TNT Sports: A Powerhouse in Sports Broadcasting

The Evolution of TNT Sports

TNT Sports has a rich history and has undergone significant changes over the years. From its early beginnings to its current global presence, let's explore how TNT Sports has evolved.

  1. Formation and Ownership: TNT Sports is a division of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in the United States. It broadcasts on Max, TruTV, TBS, and TNT.

  2. History in the US: The division started in the 1970s as part of Turner Broadcasting System's basic cable networks. A unified Turner Sports brand emerged in 1995.

  3. Merger with WarnerMedia: After AT&T acquired Time Warner in 2018, Turner Sports merged with CNN and AT&T SportsNet to form WarnerMedia News & Sports.

Global Reach and Expansion

TNT Sports isn't just a U.S. phenomenon. Its influence spans continents, making it a global leader in sports broadcasting.

  1. Global Reach: TNT Sports operates globally, with significant presence in the U.S. and the UK. In the UK, it was formerly known as BT Sport.

  2. UK Launch: The UK version launched on August 1, 2013, after BT Group acquired Premier League rights and integrated ESPN's operations.

  3. Rebranding: In July 2023, BT Sport rebranded as TNT Sports, planning to merge with Eurosport UK by early 2026.

Channel Availability and Platforms

TNT Sports ensures its content is accessible through various platforms, making it easy for fans to catch their favorite sports.

  1. Channel Availability: Available on EE TV, Sky, Virgin Media in the UK, and Sky and Vodafone TV in the Republic of Ireland.

  2. Sports Coverage: Broadcasts a wide range of sports including Premier League football, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, rugby, MotoGP, UFC, NBA, MLB, and American college sports.

Exclusive Rights and Digital Presence

Holding exclusive rights to major sports events and maintaining a strong digital presence are key aspects of TNT Sports' strategy.

  1. Exclusive Rights: Holds exclusive rights to broadcast Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup in the UK.

  2. Digital Presence: Operates digital media outlets for NCAA, NBA, PGA Tour, and PGA of America. Owns a minority share in MLB Network.

Partnerships and Investments

TNT Sports has formed strategic partnerships and made significant investments to enhance its offerings and support various sports leagues.

  1. Bleacher Report: Operates Bleacher Report, acquired by Turner Sports in August 2012 for $175 million.

  2. NBA Digital: Co-manages NBA Digital, including NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE Pass, the NBA App, and NBAGLEAGUE.com.

  3. NCAA March Madness Live: Manages NCAA March Madness Live, providing comprehensive coverage of college basketball's premier event.

  4. International Partnerships: In Europe and the Republic of Ireland, partners with NBA, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UFC, WWE, and more.

  5. Unrivaled Partnership: Reached a multi-year media rights partnership with Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women's basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.

  6. Women's Basketball League: As part of the partnership, TNT Sports will invest in Unrivaled, providing financial stability and support for the league and its players.

Commitment to Women's Sports

TNT Sports shows a strong commitment to women's sports, ensuring they receive the attention and support they deserve.

  1. Women's Sports Programming: Invests in Unrivaled, aiming to expand top-tier women's sports programming for fans.

Diverse Sports Portfolio

TNT Sports covers a wide array of sports, ensuring fans have access to their favorite events across multiple platforms.

  1. Sports Portfolio: Includes partnerships with NBA, MLB, NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, NHL, U.S. Soccer Federation, College Football Playoff games, and starting in 2025, NASCAR and Roland-Garros.

  2. Golf Coverage: Covers golf events, including PGA Tour and PGA of America, through digital media outlets and cable channels.

  3. Cycling Coverage: Airs cycling events, including the FIA World Endurance Championship, which will be streamed live on Max starting from 2024.

  4. MotoGP Coverage: Broadcasts MotoGP events, providing comprehensive coverage of the motorcycle racing series.

  5. Bellator MMA Coverage: Will stream Bellator MMA events, offering live coverage of mixed martial arts matches.

  6. Tennis Coverage: Covers tennis events, including the French Open, which will be broadcast on TNT, TBS, TruTV, and Max starting in 2025.

  7. American Football Coverage: Covers American football events, including College Football Playoff games.

  8. Auto Racing Coverage: Will cover auto racing events, including NASCAR, starting in 2025.

  9. Baseball Coverage: Broadcasts Major League Baseball games, providing extensive coverage of the sport.

  10. Basketball Coverage: Covers basketball events, including NBA, NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, and Unrivaled women's basketball league.

  11. Beach Volleyball Coverage: Airs beach volleyball events, offering live coverage of this popular sport.

  12. Boxing Coverage: Covers boxing events, providing comprehensive coverage of professional boxing matches.

  13. Olympics Coverage: Broadcasts Olympic events, including Summer and Winter Olympics, showcasing the world's top athletes in action.

  14. Professional Wrestling Coverage: Airs professional wrestling events, including WWE matches, offering a diverse range of sports content.

  15. Mixed Martial Arts Coverage: Streams mixed martial arts events, including Bellator MMA matches, providing fans with exciting MMA action.

  16. Slap Fighting Coverage: Covers slap fighting events, offering a unique and entertaining form of combat sports.

  17. eSports Coverage: Airs eSports events, providing live coverage of competitive gaming tournaments and matches.

  18. Pan American Games Coverage: Broadcasts the Pan American Games, showcasing top athletes from the Americas competing in various sports.

UK-Specific Sports Coverage

In the UK, TNT Sports offers extensive coverage of domestic football and rugby, ensuring fans don't miss out on their favorite matches.

  1. UK Sports Coverage: Offers extensive coverage of domestic football and rugby, including Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and Premiership rugby.

  2. MotoGP Rights: Acquired exclusive UK TV rights to MotoGP along with Moto2 and Moto3 championships in May 2013.

  3. Football Conference Rights: Acquired rights to broadcast the Football Conference for two years, including 25-30 live games a season, including end-of-season play-offs.

  4. World Rally Championship Rights: Acquired rights to broadcast the World Rally Championship for the 2014 season.

  5. FA Cup Rights: Agreed a four-year deal with the Football Association to show the FA Cup from the 2025-26 season, further expanding its football coverage in the UK.

TNT Sports: A Powerhouse in Sports Broadcasting

TNT Sports has come a long way from its early days as a division of Turner Broadcasting System. Now a global leader in sports content, it offers extensive coverage of various sports, including football, basketball, tennis, and more. With exclusive rights to high-profile events like the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, TNT Sports keeps fans engaged and entertained. Its commitment to women's sports, digital presence, and partnerships with major sports organizations make it a formidable player in the industry. As it continues to expand its reach and offerings, TNT Sports remains a significant force in sports broadcasting, shaping the way fans experience their favorite sports. Whether you're into football, basketball, or even eSports, TNT Sports has something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is TNT Sports?
TNT Sports refers to a collection of sports broadcasting networks around the globe, known for airing a wide variety of live sports events, including basketball, soccer, and more. Each region's TNT Sports channel tailors its content to local audiences, offering them thrilling sports action right from their living rooms.
How can I watch TNT Sports?
Catching the action on TNT Sports is easy if you have access to cable TV or a digital subscription. Many cable packages include TNT Sports as part of their lineup. For those who prefer streaming, several online platforms and apps offer live sports events broadcasted by TNT Sports, sometimes requiring a subscription.
Does TNT Sports cover international sports events?
Absolutely! TNT Sports is renowned for its extensive coverage of international sports events. From European soccer leagues to global basketball tournaments, TNT Sports brings fans closer to the action happening across the world.
Can I find highlights and replays on TNT Sports?
Yes, indeed. Besides live broadcasts, TNT Sports provides fans with highlights, replays, and in-depth analyses of games and matches. This way, even if you miss a live event, you can still catch up on the most exciting moments at your convenience.
Is there exclusive content available on TNT Sports?
For sure! TNT Sports often secures exclusive broadcasting rights for certain sports events, making it the only place where fans can watch these live games. Additionally, they produce original programming, including interviews, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes looks at teams and athletes.
How does TNT Sports cater to diverse sports fans?
TNT Sports caters to a wide range of sports enthusiasts by offering a diverse selection of events. From mainstream sports like basketball and soccer to niche interests such as motorsports and golf, there's something for every type of fan. Plus, their in-depth coverage and analysis help deepen fans' understanding and appreciation of various sports.
Are there any mobile apps for TNT Sports?
Yes, TNT Sports offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. These apps allow fans to watch live sports, access highlights, and stay updated with the latest news and scores, all from the convenience of their mobile devices.

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