The man has all the choices in the world. Wherever he lands, we know he will be a major asset.
Charles Barkley, the renowned Basketball Hall of Famer and iconic “Inside the NBA” commentator, may soon explore new horizons as TNT is set to lose its NBA media rights after the next season. Barkley, currently in the third year of a 10-year, $210 million contract with TNT Sports, expressed his willingness to consider offers from ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video once the new media rights deal begins in the 2025-26 season.
Charles Barkley may explore deals with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon if TNT does not comply with $210 million contract. – https://t.co/SJIYTg1WRz
— DLatest.Scoop (@DlatestScoop) July 27, 2024
Barkley emphasized that his future with TNT depends on the network’s commitment to honoring his contract. “Turner has to come to me ASAP and they have to guarantee my whole thing, or they can offer me a pay cut, which there is no chance of that happening, and I’ll be a free agent,” he told The Athletic. He was adamant that any suggestion of a pay cut was unfounded, stating, “Wait, y’all messed up, I didn’t mess up, why do I have to take a pay cut?”
This stance marks a shift from Barkley’s earlier statements during the 2024 NBA Finals, where he indicated that the 2024-25 season would be his last on television, regardless of the media rights outcome. At the time, he expressed gratitude to his NBA colleagues and hinted at retirement, saying, “No matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television. And I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me. My heart is full with joy and gratitude.”
Charles Barkley Says He’s Spoken To Amazon, NBC & ESPN About New Gig Covering The NBA https://t.co/1SdR5CmDXK
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) July 26, 2024
However, Barkley now seems open to continuing his television career, provided the right offer comes along. He mentioned that ESPN, NBC, and Amazon have all shown interest, and he would prefer to keep the “Inside the NBA” crew, including Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith, together.
Complicating matters, TNT Sports announced legal action against the NBA, accusing the league of excluding them from the media rights deal. Despite matching Amazon’s offer, TNT claims the NBA “grossly misinterpreted our contractual rights” during negotiations. Barkley echoed this sentiment on social media, suggesting the NBA favored tech companies willing to pay for future rights. “Clearly, the NBA has wanted to break up with us from the beginning,” he wrote. “It’s a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans. It just sucks.”
“Charles Barkley leaves door open to post-TNT job options – ESPN” https://t.co/jhzHRt6Wkr
— Nathan Lewis (@sportsmixnathan) July 26, 2024
Key Points:
- Charles Barkley is considering offers from ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video as TNT’s NBA media rights are set to expire.
- Barkley is currently under a 10-year, $210 million contract with TNT Sports and demands full payment of the contract if he stays.
- He had previously hinted at retiring after the 2024-25 season but is now open to new opportunities.
- TNT Sports is taking legal action against the NBA for excluding them from the media rights deal.
- Barkley criticized the NBA for prioritizing tech companies over traditional media partners and fans.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
