In an unexpected twist, Charles Barkley has voiced strong dissatisfaction with TNT, despite remaining a part of the network’s iconic “Inside the NBA” show.
As the show transitions to ESPN and ABC next season, Barkley hasn’t been shy about his feelings, labeling the TNT team as “stupid” for their handling of the situation.
The NBA Media Rights Shakeup
The changes come as part of a broader deal that saw Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT’s parent company, lose domestic NBA media rights to ESPN and ABC.
The shift is a result of a $76 billion, 11-year media deal signed between the NBA and various networks, including ESPN, TNT, and NBC, which will begin in the 2025-26 season.
Despite the switch, “Inside the NBA” will continue to be produced by TNT and air on ESPN, with Barkley, along with Ernie Johnson Jr., Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal, staying on board.
However, Barkley’s commitment to the show wasn’t a guarantee.
In his contract, he had secured the option to leave if TNT lost the NBA rights.
This has led to significant tension behind the scenes.
Barkley’s Discontent with TNT’s Approach
Barkley didn’t hold back during a conversation with former ESPN anchor and current radio host Dan Patrick, where he recounted how TNT attempted to prevent Amazon and NBC from making offers for him after losing the NBA contract.
He was especially upset by a cease-and-desist letter that TNT sent to Amazon and NBC, claiming that his show was now part of ESPN’s programming.
He argued that this move violated the terms of his contract and insisted that, given the circumstances, he had every right to leave.
“I put in my contract that if they lost the NBA, I could get out of there,” Barkley stated.
“They tried to stop me from getting offers, and I wasn’t having it.”
Barkley emphasized that TNT’s move to trade “Inside the NBA” to ESPN was not the same as honoring his existing contract, which he believes should have been respected.
Ongoing Tensions with ESPN and the NBA Media Landscape
Barkley has long been vocal about his dissatisfaction with ESPN, even criticizing the network’s NBA coverage and overall culture.
His comments in November, while discussing the ESPN deal, reflected his frustration with the industry’s evolving dynamics.
“We gotta go back to kissing ass,” he remarked to his co-host Kenny Smith.
These comments highlight the ongoing tension as the NBA media landscape shifts, with several major changes looming for the 2025-26 season.
Changes in NBA Coverage Across Networks
As part of the shifting NBA media rights, NBC is also making moves.
Mike Tirico, a well-known figure in sports broadcasting, has been named NBC’s lead play-by-play announcer for the NBA.
This role marks a significant return for Tirico, who previously worked for ESPN and ABC before moving to NBC in 2016.
He’s expected to have a busy schedule, calling games for both the NBA and NFL, including the highly anticipated Super Bowl 60.
NBC will also air a variety of NBA content, including up to 100 regular-season games, All-Star Weekend coverage, and playoff games, all available on both NBC and streaming platform Peacock.
The network is preparing for a busy 2025-26 season, with analysts like Jamal Crawford joining the coverage.
Media Networks Gear Up for 2025-26 Season
As the NBA season draws to a close, other networks are ramping up their preparations for the 2025-26 season.
ESPN/ABC, Prime Video, and NBC are all making significant hires to boost their NBA coverage.
This includes former NBA players like Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, and Taylor Rooks joining Prime Video’s team, while NBC is adding talent like Jamal Crawford and Noah Eagle to its roster.
With so many changes unfolding, the landscape of NBA media coverage will look very different come next season, leaving Barkley, his colleagues, and fans to adjust to this new era of NBA broadcasting.
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