“Get ready to hear one of the most iconic voices in sports calling the shots from a new perspective! Sources close to the deal have confirmed that NBA broadcasting legend Kevin Harlan is on the cusp of joining Amazon Prime Video as their new play-by-play announcer. The news has sent shockwaves through the sports world, leaving fans and enthusiasts alike wondering what this means for the future of NBA broadcasting.
For decades, Harlan has been synonymous with high-energy commentary, bringing his signature style to games for CBS, TNT, and Westwood One. With his unparalleled passion and expertise, he’s become a household name among basketball enthusiasts. And now, he’s poised to bring his expertise to the digital giant’s growing slate of sports content.
Amazon’s NBA Play-by-Play Lineup
New Faces, New Voices
Amazon Prime Video is reportedly closing in on a deal to make Kevin Harlan its No. 2 NBA play-by-player when it begins coverage of the league later this year, according to sources briefed on the discussion. With the expected addition of Harlan, Amazon will have a one-two play-by-play punch of Ian Eagle and Harlan. Amazon and Eagle are already in agreement for him to call the top games.
Harlan, 64, has been a rock of NBA coverage for TNT Sports for decades. After Marv Albert retired, TNT never officially anointed Harlan as Albert’s successor, but his assignments were slightly better than Brian Anderson’s. Anderson is also TNT Sports’ lead MLB play-by-player.
Harlan, like Eagle, is expected to continue with his NFL and college basketball duties for CBS. Harlan also is the radio voice for “Monday Night Football” and the Super Bowl for Westwood One. His extensive experience in play-by-play announcing makes him an excellent addition to Amazon’s lineup.
Ian Eagle’s Top Billing
Ian Eagle, who The Post reported in October was “in serious talks” to join Amazon Prime Video, is expected to be the top play-by-play voice for the streamer. With Harlan joining the lineup, Amazon will have two experienced play-by-play announcers who can call top games.
Eagle has a strong reputation for his play-by-play announcing, and his addition to Amazon’s lineup is a significant coup for the streamer. His ability to pair with Harlan will make Amazon’s NBA coverage more competitive and appealing to fans.
TNT Sports and the Departure of Kevin Harlan
A Legacy of NBA Coverage
Kevin Harlan’s departure from TNT Sports marks the end of an era for the network. Harlan has been a staple of TNT’s NBA coverage for decades, and his departure will be felt by fans and colleagues alike.
Harlan’s legacy at TNT Sports is one of excellence and dedication. He has called some of the greatest games in NBA history, and his passion for the sport is unmatched. His departure will be a significant loss for TNT Sports, but it also opens up new opportunities for the network.
New Opportunities for Brian Anderson
With Harlan’s departure, Brian Anderson is expected to take on a more prominent role at TNT Sports. Anderson has been a rising star in the network’s NBA coverage, and his experience as a play-by-play announcer will serve him well in his new role.
Anderson’s future assignments and potential new responsibilities will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders. His ability to adapt to new situations and thrive in high-pressure environments will be crucial to his success at TNT Sports.
TNT’s NBA Future
TNT Sports is in the final season as an NBA rights holder. Next season, the packages of games will be divided between incumbent ESPN/ABC, Amazon Prime Video, and NBC/Peacock. NBC and Peacock are expected to have Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle as their top two game callers.
ESPN, meanwhile, is determining if it will add a third person to its current NBA Finals duo of Mike Breen and Doris Burke. Jefferson has been considered a tiny favorite, but according to sources briefed on ESPN’s thinking, Tim Legler also has some support. ESPN has also not extinguished the idea of adding Grant Hill at some point. Hill works for TNT/NBA TV and is one of Eagle’s partners, along with Bill Raftery, as the voices of the Final Four.
Amazon’s Entry into Live Sports and the NBA
A New Era for the NBA
The NBA is entering a new media rights era later next season after adding Amazon and NBC Sports — in addition to incumbent ESPN/ABC — and ending their decades-long partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT’s parent company.
Amazon is set to pay about $1.8 billion for its NBA package, which includes rights to regular-season and playoff games, the NBA Cup, and the play-in tournament games. This deal continues Amazon’s entry into live sports right after becoming the NFL’s exclusive “Thursday Night Football” broadcaster in 2022 with a powerhouse duo of Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit in the booth.
Amazon’s NFL Success
Amazon’s successful entry into live sports with its exclusive “Thursday Night Football” broadcast is a significant achievement for the streamer. The partnership between Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit has been a key factor in Amazon’s success, and their chemistry in the booth has been praised by fans and industry insiders alike.
Amazon’s experience in live sports will serve it well in its NBA coverage. The streamer’s ability to adapt to new situations and thrive in high-pressure environments will be crucial to its success in the NBA.
Implications for the NBA and its Fans
The addition of Amazon to the NBA’s media rights package has significant implications for the league and its fans. Increased accessibility and new broadcasting opportunities will be available to fans, and the competition between Amazon, ESPN/ABC, and NBC/Peacock will drive innovation and excellence in NBA coverage.
The NBA’s new media rights era is an exciting development for the league and its fans. With Amazon, ESPN/ABC, and NBC/Peacock vying for viewership, the NBA will benefit from increased exposure and revenue. This is a win-win for the league and its fans, and we can expect significant changes in the way the NBA is covered in the years to come.
Amazon’s Search for Analysts
Finding the Right Analysts
Amazon is still in search of analysts to pair with Eagle and Harlan. The company has had talks with Dwyane Wade about a hybrid role for in-studio and game coverage. Stan Van Gundy, who is at TNT, and Richard Jefferson, who is at ESPN, have also been on Amazon’s radar.
The selection of analysts will be crucial to Amazon’s success in the NBA. The right analysts will bring expertise, passion, and personality to the broadcasts, and help to drive engagement and interest among fans.
Potential Candidates
Dwyane Wade, a former NBA star, has been in talks with Amazon about a hybrid role for in-studio and game coverage. Wade’s experience as a player and his charisma on camera make him an attractive candidate for Amazon.
Stan Van Gundy, who is currently at TNT, has also been on Amazon’s radar. Van Gundy’s experience as a coach and his analytical skills make him a strong candidate to pair with Eagle and Harlan.
Richard Jefferson, who is currently at ESPN, has also been considered for a role with Amazon. Jefferson’s experience as a player and his expertise on the game make him a strong candidate to pair with Eagle and Harlan.
Conclusion
Breaking News: Kevin Harlan on the Verge of a Groundbreaking Deal
As we wrap up our comprehensive review of the latest development in the world of sports broadcasting, it’s clear that Kevin Harlan is on the cusp of a monumental moment in his illustrious career. According to sources, the veteran play-by-play announcer is nearing a deal to call NBA games for Amazon Prime Video. This potential partnership marks a significant shift in the landscape of sports broadcasting, as Amazon continues to disrupt the traditional model with innovative content and streaming services.
The implications of this deal are far-reaching, with the potential to revolutionize the way fans consume NBA games. With Amazon’s vast resources and Harlan’s unparalleled expertise, the possibilities for high-quality, engaging content are endless. This partnership also highlights the growing importance of streaming services in the world of sports, as major media outlets continue to adapt to the changing needs and preferences of audiences. As we look to the future, it’s clear that this deal will have a lasting impact on the way we experience sports, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.