Abstract: A backlight assembly having protrusions in a side surface between a side supporter and a cover shield is provided. The protrusions prevent the cover shield from being deformed by an external force and prevent disconnection of a wire between the side supporter and the cover shield. The backlight assembly includes a plurality of light sources; a side supporter having a plurality of U-shaped curved portions which align with and support the light sources; a PCB having a plurality of inverters mounted thereon; a plurality of wires which connect the inverter and an electrode of each light source; a cover shield with an edge for protecting end portions of the light sources and a second edge for protecting the PCB; and an extension formed on one surface of the side supporter opposite to the cover shield edge.