The NBA’s television rights are currently up for grabs, with potential new media deals on the horizon that could include Disney/ESPN, NBC, and Amazon. This has led to speculation that TNT, a longtime broadcast partner of the NBA, may lose its broadcasting rights deal to competitors. Despite this uncertainty, there is still a chance for Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT’s parent company, to match the offers from other networks before final approval is given for the new contracts.
Charles Barkley, who is a part of the popular studio show “Inside the NBA” on TNT, could become a highly sought after talent on the media free agent market if TNT and the NBA part ways. Barkley has expressed concern about the impact of the negotiations on workplace morale, stating that “morale sucks, plain and simple.” He also mentioned that there are still questions that need to be answered as he considers potential offers from other media companies in the future.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future home of NBA games, ESPN is a potential landing spot for Barkley if he decides to move on from TNT. ESPN currently airs a variety of NBA-related shows and has high-profile talent like Stephen A. Smith who frequently discuss NBA topics. However, Barkley has made it clear that he is not interested in taking on commitments to multiple programs and working extensively into his mid-60s.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed confidence that at least two of the “Inside the NBA” stars, including Charles Barkley, will continue to cover the NBA for years to come, regardless of which network ultimately holds the broadcasting rights. The league’s current media rights deal is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, and negotiations for the broadcast packages are ongoing. While no official announcement has been made, Silver remains optimistic about the future of NBA coverage on television.
The uncertainty surrounding the NBA’s television rights and the potential departure of TNT could have a significant impact on the landscape of NBA coverage on television. Barkley’s future in the industry is still up in the air, but it is clear that his presence would be in demand regardless of where he ultimately lands. As negotiations continue and deals are formalized with various media companies, the industry will be watching closely to see how the landscape of NBA coverage on television shifts in the coming years.
