ESPN’s Pacers-Knicks broadcast was plagued with problems early in the second quarter.
NBA fans were prevented from seeing the start of the second quarter after ESPN experienced technical difficulties.
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The Pacers started the game extremely well, taking a 39-27 lead in the first quarter.
When ESPN returned to start the second, they aired a pre-recorded interview, as they usually do.
However, that interview was replayed earlier in the quarter, preventing fans from seeing the action.
By the time the game video was restarted, the score was 41-27 after several seconds.
ESPN reporter Mike Breen was forced to apologize on air for the mistake.
“We apologize for returning late,” Breen said.
“The first bucket of the second quarter – Nesmith, how they started before we went out of commercial.”
Losing 30 seconds of play isn’t a big deal since the broadcast only missed a two-pointer, but fans were fed up with the mistake.
“It really pissed me off,” said one fan.
“Stop putting these games on ESPN/ABC. That and the constant comings and goings are ridiculous,” said another fan.
“The wrong network lost the rights to the NBA,” said a third fan.
“Credit to Breen for the recognition, but this is a Game 7 from partner ‘A’. When exactly are they going to up their game in Bristol?” a fourth fan said.
ESPN has notably retained its NBA rights during the ongoing battle over the new media rights cycle beginning after the 2024-25 season.
TNT is at risk of losing its rights after NBC Sports submitted a massive offer to the NBA.
The league is reportedly asking for $2.8 billion from TNT parent Warner Bros. to maintain its rights.
Inside the future of the NBA?
The operation of the NBA on TNT Sports is in doubt due to the NBA’s broadcast agreements.
The Emmy-winning sports show is a fan favorite thanks to the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.
But TNT’s broadcast deal with the NBA ends after next season and NBC is preparing a bid to take over those rights.
If TNT loses its NBA package, it will raise questions about the popular Inside the NBA.
One solution could be to recreate the show on another network, which would snatch the rights from the NBA.
Bill Simmons of The Ringer recently stated that he thinks TNT will lose the rights to NBC.
“One of the funniest things is that we’re all pretending like the TV deal didn’t close a week and a half ago,” Simmons said in your podcast.
“I think it’s done. I think Warner [Bros. Discovery] I’ve lost.
“And I don’t know why we’re waiting until after the playoffs, maybe that’s how they have to do it.
“But it’s all over. NBC is understanding. I’m just telling you.”
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