Part 3/8:
While TNT faced challenges, ESPN's predicament was notably more dire. Known for its disappointing NBA coverage, ESPN found itself in a vulnerable position, desperate for content to fill its lineup. As a result, the network overpaid to maintain its contract with the NBA, underscoring the league's reliance on the association for survival. ESPN’s position highlights the dichotomy in current sports broadcasting: networks that are willing to overextend themselves financially to keep sports that draw audiences, versus others like TNT that have recognized the diminishing returns of such arrangements.