Charles Barkley, the NBA analyst, is considering either staying with TNT Sports on his existing 10-year, $210 million agreement, or listening to offers from ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video. Amid thoughts of retirement, Barkley emphasized that TNT has to guarantee full payment of his deal. The NBA recently announced deals collectively worth $77 billion over 11 years with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon, while effectively sidelining TNT Sports.
Barkley expressed disapproval over TNT Sports’ move to sue NBA in order to take over Amazon’s deal, stating it makes no sense to sue to be in a relationship. He also shared his belief that the NBA intends to move towards streaming in the future, inferring that in a decade’s time, only streaming companies will be financially equipped to afford such rights.
Barkley made his retirement plans public during the NBA Finals, but also expressed willingness to reconsider if he is not paid as per his contract with TNT Sports. For the last few months, he has been discussing with ESPN, NBC and Amazon. Although intending on retiring, Barkley said he would find it foolish to unheeding their offers and plans.
Regarding his current team at “Inside the NBA,” Barkley disclosed his reluctance in not having the entire team, including Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and the TNT crew, in his future endeavours. He promised the final season will be memorable, but revealed Johnson will not switch networks while O’Neal’s or Smith’s plans are still undetermined.
Barkley clarified that all potential offers and plans are “still on the table,” suggesting a possibility for him and his entire crew to remain in Atlanta and continue the show as it stands. Finally, he expressed sympathy for the behind-the-scenes staff at TNT, stating he feels bad for those that might lose their jobs due to the NBA’s decision to move on from their longstanding relationship with TNT Sports.
In conclusion, Barkley’s professional future is seemingly uncertain, hanging between retirement and a potential shift to a different network. However, it’s clear he values the relationships he’s formed at TNT and his concern extends beyond his own contract to the fate of his colleagues and crew.
