It appears that TNT stands to lose NBA media rights to NBC, and Charles Barkley says he would just like to know, one way or the other.
“That’s the one thing that’s really, really bothered me the most about the TNT experience. Like, hey man, just tell us something,” Barkley told Mad Dog Sports Radio’s Beadle & Decke, via Awful Announcing. “Everybody’s got an article coming out every day about ‘we’ve still got a chance’ or ‘we’ve lost it.’ You guys see us every week, how about picking up the phone, saying ‘Hey, we still negotiating’ or ‘You know what, we’ve lost it.’ “Just truth us. Because the one thing that really sucks, we gotta do this next year no matter what.”
Barkley, of course, is part of the wildly popular Inside the NBA show broadcast before and after games, and at halftime, and also features Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson. It is widely viewed as the best sports studio show on TV.
But if TNT loses the NBA after next season — as many assume it will do — then the show will be no more. Johnson has already indicated he will remain with TNT, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. Barkley, O’Neal and Smith will be free agents.
Rumors suggest the three could reunite on NBC and Peacock. Others suggest ESPN/ABC will try to land at least Barkley.
Either way, the show could be headed for its final airings in 2024-25. Just like most of the rest of us, Barkley would like to know what’s next with the NBA on TNT.
🚨 ICYMI: Charles Barkley talked about his frustrations surrounding the future of the NBA on TNT.
🔗 Hear the Full Interview: https://t.co/sf5WYAxzVI@MichelleDBeadle | @Decker6 | @SiriusXMSports pic.twitter.com/PPg2V7Ucnf
— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) June 4, 2024
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