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NBA Ends Local First-Round Telecasts as Mike Breen Criticizes the Shift

The change stems from an 11-year, roughly $76 billion rights deal granting exclusive postseason windows to national partners.

Jan 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 25: ESPN play-by-play sports commentator Mike Breen looks on prior to the game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 110-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The NBA published its Play-In and first-round plan after Sunday’s regular-season finale, placing the Play-In only on Prime Video and splitting first-round games across Prime, ABC/ESPN and NBC/Peacock.
  • Game 1 of Knicks–Hawks will stream on Prime Video at 6 p.m. ET Saturday, so in-market viewers will not get an MSG telecast.
  • Calling the Knicks–Hornets broadcast Sunday, Mike Breen labeled the move a “poor decision” and said fans deserve a chance to hear their home crews in the first round.
  • Local broadcasters across the league praised Breen’s remarks and said they will be sidelined from calling games, though many will still air pregame and postgame shows.
  • The shift follows an 11-year deal worth about $76–77 billion, ends TNT’s long postseason run, and adds strain to regional networks such as Main Street Sports, which says it is preparing to wind down.