Broadcasting Legend Mike Breen Criticizes NBA's Exclusive National TV Playoff Broadcasts

Breen calls the decision a 'poor decision' that shuts out loyal local fans who want to hear their home team announcers.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the frenetic energy of an NBA playoff game, players' forms dissolving into unrecognizable splashes of paint.The NBA's controversial decision to move all playoff games to national TV threatens to disconnect loyal local fans from the emotional experience of the postseason.NYC Today

Veteran NBA broadcaster Mike Breen has criticized the league's decision to move all playoff games exclusively to national television networks starting in the 2026 postseason. Breen, who was calling the final regular-season game between the New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets, said the move is a 'poor decision' that will hurt viewership and push away everyday fans who want to hear their local announcers. Breen has raised this concern before, arguing that local fans, especially in smaller markets, rely on basic cable or over-the-air options and can't afford expensive national sports packages.

Why it matters

The NBA's new $76 billion media rights deal with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon gives the national networks exclusive rights to all playoff games, shutting out local and regional sports networks. This is seen as a blow to loyal fans who have followed their teams all season and want to hear the familiar voices of their hometown announcers during the postseason.

The details

During the final regular-season game between the Knicks and Hornets, Breen directly called out the NBA's decision, saying 'It's the first time ever...the entire playoffs are exclusive to national TV...I just think the fans deserve to be thrown a bone once in a while.' Breen argued that local fans, especially older and casual viewers, depend on basic cable or over-the-air options and can't afford expensive national sports packages. Altitude TV reporter Vic Lombardi, who covers the Denver Nuggets, also expressed the same sentiment, saying 'Sucks we can't carry ANY playoff games' due to the league's $76 billion TV deal.

  • The NBA announced its new $76 billion media rights deals with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon in 2024.
  • The 2025-26 NBA regular season was Breen's final telecast of the season before the playoffs began.

The players

Mike Breen

A legendary NBA broadcaster who has called games for over 20 years and is known for his iconic 'Bang!' call during big moments.

Vic Lombardi

A reporter for Altitude TV who covers the Denver Nuggets regional sports network.

LaMelo Ball

The star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets who scored 19 points in the game against the Knicks.

Brandon Miller

The Hornets' forward who also scored 19 points in the win over the Knicks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'1st time ever...entire playoffs exclusive to national TV... poor decision...fans want to hear their home team announcers, at least 1st round...part of the family. I get it, the networks pay a fortune to get exclusivity...But I just think the fans deserve to be thrown a bone once in a while...This is our final telecast of the season.'”

— Mike Breen, NBA Broadcaster

“'Mike Breen spewing truth. Sucks we can't carry ANY playoff games. We will still carry pre- and post-game shows on @AltitudeTV. But the league has $76 billion reasons they chose this path. I get it.'”

— Vic Lombardi, Altitude TV Reporter

What’s next

The Knicks will now face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, marking the first time fans in New York and across the league will have no choice but to watch the postseason exclusively on national TV platforms.

The takeaway

The NBA's decision to move all playoff games to national TV networks exclusively, despite a lucrative $76 billion media rights deal, has drawn criticism from longtime broadcasters like Mike Breen who argue it will hurt viewership and alienate loyal local fans who want to hear their hometown announcers. This highlights the tension between the league's desire for national exposure and the needs of everyday fans who have followed their teams all season.