Charles Barkley is concerned about the future of TNT’s “Inside the NBA” and his colleagues amid reports that NBC may acquire NBA media rights from TNT. The program has aired NBA games since 1989, and “Inside the NBA” has become a beloved program with Chuck and Shaq becoming household names.
Chuck expressed uncertainty and concern on ESPN’s “Waddle and Silvy” show, where he stated that he has zero idea what’s going to happen and that everybody is scared to death. He also noted that it’s a coin flip whether TNT will lose its NBA broadcasting rights or not.
It's 50/50 that we lose our part to NBC. Am I concerned? 100%, because as much as we have been partners with the NBA for, I think 40 years, you would think if it was close in a bidding war, we would get the benefit of the doubt. But clearly, that's not happening. Charles Barkley said on ESPN’s “Waddle and Silvy” show
Charles Barkley on TNT's future with the @NBA
— ESPN 1000 (@ESPN1000) May 14, 2024
"I am concerned…100%"
Full interview: https://t.co/MqIrVh1020@waddleandsilvy @twaddle87 @tyleraki_ @Jeff_Meller pic.twitter.com/yx3zDJ6P0q
Furthermore, the NBA’s exclusive media rights for negotiating with Disney and TNT’s parent company ended last month, which further increased doubt among fans about TNT’s ability to maintain its NBA broadcasting rights. NBC, as reported, has become a serious threat to obtain TNT’s NBA media rights, which would potentially end “Inside the NBA” on the network.
Charles Barkley is now worried about the potential job losses for his colleagues and feels TNT should get the benefit of the doubt given its 40-year partnership with the NBA. But it looks like that’s not happening.
According to reports, tension at TNT has reached a boiling point with the noticeable absence of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley from the latest “Inside the NBA” episode fueling the uncertainty. Furthermore, fans have expressed their concern and nostalgia for the show online, and are unsure if their beloved TNT will retain its NBA rights.
However, according to Michael McCarthy, the show’s popular hosts were missing because they were promoting TNT at the company’s Sports Upfront presentation in NYC. The event was aimed at pitching upcoming projects that would attract valuable ad buyers. McCarthy also noted that TNT’s 40-year NBA relationship is “hanging by a thread.”
If you're wondering why Charles Barkley + Shaquille O'Neal are NOT on for 'Inside the NBA' pregame show, they are in NYC preparing to pitch ad buyers at TNT Sports' Upfront presentation Wednesday.
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) May 14, 2024
Smart move: TNT's 40-year NBA relationship hanging by thread. #saveinsidethenba
Furthermore, the NBA has been a part of TNT Sports for almost four decades and has held a special place in people’s hearts thanks to the chemistry between Shaq and Barkley. Fans credit their banter as a key reason for the show’s popularity. Shaq is keeping his fingers crossed, hoping for a positive outcome amidst the uncertainty.
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