The NBA’s television rights are a hot topic, with TNT potentially losing its broadcasting rights deal to competitors like Disney/ESPN, NBC, and Amazon. The future of the popular show “Inside the NBA,” featuring Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, is uncertain, as a new media deal may exclude TNT’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. Barkley, who could become a highly-sought after talent, expressed concern about the impact on workplace morale due to the ongoing negotiations.
Barkley has hinted at potentially moving to another media company if TNT loses out on the NBA package. Although ESPN currently airs various NBA-related shows, Barkley is hesitant about taking on multiple commitments if he joins the network. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed confidence that Barkley and Kenny will continue to cover the NBA for years to come, regardless of which network holds the broadcasting rights.
While an official announcement about the future home of NBA games has yet to be made, Silver indicated that negotiations for the broadcast packages are still ongoing. He emphasized that discussions are ongoing, and the outcome remains unknown. The league’s current media rights deal is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, leaving speculation about where NBA games will be aired and which network will secure the broadcasting rights.
Barkley’s future in the media landscape remains uncertain as he evaluates potential offers from different companies. He raised concerns about potential commitments and workload, expressing a desire to avoid being overworked as he approaches his mid-60s. Despite the uncertainty, Silver is optimistic that Barkley and Kenny will continue to cover the NBA, ensuring that fans will still be able to enjoy their insights and analysis moving forward.
As negotiations continue, it is unclear which network will ultimately secure the broadcasting rights for NBA games. The possibility of Barkley moving to a new media company raises questions about the future of “Inside the NBA” and its beloved cast of personalities. Regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, Silver believes that Barkley and Kenny will remain fixtures in NBA coverage, reassuring fans that they will continue to provide their unique perspectives on the league for years to come.
