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Grant Hill Extends TNT Contract, Pivots to Expanded College Hoops Role
about 1 year agoUS
NBA Hall of Famer and commentator Grant Hill has secured his future with TNT Sports, signing a long-term contract extension. This move comes even as TNT's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, prepares to part ways with NBA broadcasting rights, signaling a strategic shift for both Hill and the network.
Key Insights
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Contract Extension Secured:: Grant Hill signed a new long-term deal with TNT Sports (Warner Bros. Discovery).
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Shift from NBA:: The extension solidifies Hill's role despite TNT losing its long-standing NBA broadcast rights after the current season.
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Expanded College Focus:: Hill will continue as a lead analyst for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship (March Madness) alongside CBS Sports. His role significantly expands starting in the 2025-26 season to include regular-season coverage of Big East and Big 12 basketball games acquired by TNT.
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Long-Tenured Analyst:: Hill has been with TNT Sports since 2013, primarily covering the NCAA Tournament and NBA games.
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Why this matters:: This extension highlights TNT Sports' strategic pivot towards college basketball as a core offering and secures a high-profile, respected analyst to lead that coverage. It ensures continuity for viewers of the NCAA Tournament's lead broadcast team.
In-Depth Analysis
Grant Hill, renowned for his celebrated career at Duke University (including two national titles) and a 19-year NBA tenure (7-time All-Star), has successfully transitioned into broadcasting. Since joining TNT Sports in 2013, he has become a familiar voice during March Madness, marking his tenth Final Four broadcast this year.
The backdrop to this extension is the significant shift in the sports media landscape, with Warner Bros. Discovery losing its NBA rights package after decades. While losing the NBA is a blow, the company is actively building a new portfolio centered around college sports. Hill's extension is a cornerstone of this strategy, placing him at the forefront of their expanded college basketball coverage, which now includes regular-season games from the Big East and Big 12 conferences starting in 2025-26.
Hill expressed his enthusiasm for remaining deeply connected to college basketball, citing its profound impact on his life. His continued presence alongside Ian Eagle and Bill Raftery maintains the consistency of the lead broadcast booth for the NCAA Tournament, a team often lauded by viewers.
FAQs
Will Grant Hill still commentate on NBA games for TNT?
No, TNT Sports is losing its NBA broadcast rights after the current season. Hill's new contract focuses on college basketball.
What college basketball games will Grant Hill cover under the new deal?
He will continue as a lead analyst for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament (Final Four) and will add regular-season Big East and Big 12 games starting in the 2025-26 season.
How long has Grant Hill been with TNT?
Grant Hill joined TNT Sports as a broadcaster in 2013.
Key Takeaways
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Hill Stays Put:: Fans of Grant Hill's analysis can expect to hear him on TNT Sports for years to come, especially during March Madness.
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TNT's New Focus:: Warner Bros. Discovery is shifting its sports strategy, emphasizing college basketball after losing NBA rights.
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More College Hoops on TNT:: Viewers will see more regular-season college basketball (Big East, Big 12) on TNT networks starting in the 2025-26 season, with Hill as a key analyst.
Discussion
Do you think TNT's pivot to college sports will be successful without the NBA? Let us know!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources & References
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