Charles Barkley To Receive Interest From ESPN, Amazon, NBC If TNT Loses NBA

[RealGM Wiretap]

If TNT loses the NBA beginning with the 25-26 season, Charles Barkley will receive interest from all three media rights partners in ESPN, Amazon and NBC, according to Andrew Marchand.

Barkley is under contract beyond 2025, but it is unclear if he has an out dependent on the NBA. Barkley has been outspoken criticizing Warner Bros. Discovery for being in a situation where they are on the verge of not extending its media rights deal with the NBA.

There have not yet been any real discussions on how the "Inside The NBA" crew of Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith could stay together on another network.

"An educated guess is that any number will be closer to $20 million annually than $10 million," writes Richard Deitsch. "If I had to handicap a non-WBD player, I would cautiously put my money on NBC. Very cautiously."

Via Andrew Marchand, Richard Deitsch/The Athletic

[MitchB3]

Just don't go to the four-letter network.

[watpho71]

Inside the NBA crew is about to have a last dance. They should hire a film crew and make a movie.

[cheese318]

Inside the NBA crew is about to have a last dance. They should hire a film crew and make a movie.

Really disappointing but Ernie won’t leave TNT. Who knows if other networks would bring in Shaq & Kenny Smith. I could definitely see one or two of them poached to go to a new show/network but not sure all of them will. It’s quite interesting because so many people were probably lining up testing to see if they would be a good fit on Inside the NBA hoping a seat would open down the road and now the show is being cancelled/rugged. I’m suprised TNT didn’t step up to the plate. NHL has been awesome for them so I guess they’ll figure out something different longterm plan

[dubbmotta]

Inside the NBA crew is about to have a last dance. They should hire a film crew and make a movie.

Really disappointing but Ernie won’t leave TNT. Who knows if other networks would bring in Shaq & Kenny Smith. I could definitely see one or two of them poached to go to a new show/network but not sure all of them will. It’s quite interesting because so many people were probably lining up testing to see if they would be a good fit on Inside the NBA hoping a seat would open down the road and now the show is being cancelled/rugged. I’m suprised TNT didn’t step up to the plate. NHL has been awesome for them so I guess they’ll figure out something different longterm plan

Kenny Smith is so bad and annoying..Keep Barkley & Shaq together and bring in a 3rd person..I love Ernie but he ain't leaving TNT.