Charles Barkley Blasts NBA Over Swatting TNT Broadcast Rights

Warner Bros.TNT Also Sues League Over Decision

Charles Barkley has voiced his opinion over the NBA refusing to accept Warner Bros. TNT’s “matching offer” for broadcast rights in the future. The Hall of Famer is not shy about offering opinions and he came out and blasted the league for going with Amazon over TNT in its next media rights package. And the parent company he works for isn’t going quietly, either. In NBA news, WBD (TBS) TNT has sued the league. The NBA drama continues as this legal battle unfolds.

This all stems from the Association opting to choose ESPN, NBC, and Amazon as its broadcast partners starting in 2025-26. There is one year left on the remaining deal and that means the league and one of its partners will be heading to court. It’s gonna get nasty. The NBA drama continues to escalate with each passing day.

An NBA spokesman didn’t sound as if the league was concerned: Warner Bros. Discovery’s claims are without merit and our lawyers will address them” Mike Bass said.

Barkley came out before the suit was made public and blasted the league’s decision.

It’s a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans. It just sucks.

NBA Drama Continues: Barkley, “Inside The NBA,” and the Future of Broadcast Rights

Barkley has been one of the main panelists with Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and host Ernie Johnson on “Inside The NBA.” The show is regarded as historically great and sets the bar for all other studio shows.

While “Inside The NBA” will continue in 2024-25, its future was scuttled by the NBA’s decision to go with Amazon and its muscle on streaming and an international level. Barkley has said the upcoming season would be his last at the position. The NBA’s decision made it clear he didn’t have a choice with TNT on the outs.

So, who wound up with what in the NBA broadcast deals, which are good for 11 years and more than $76 million? What is fascinating is the money corporations are willing to spend to attach themselves to live events, which are the golden nugget going forward. The NBA drama continues as fans and analysts await the outcomes of these high-stakes negotiations.

Barkley went on “The Dan Patrick Show” Friday and didn’t sound like a person who was ready to retire.

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Networks Have Called Barkley

He said he has been contacted by Amazon, NBC, and ESPN.

I have spoken to all three networks that have the NBA going forward” Barkley said. “I’m gonna listen. I’d be stupid not to take their call. The beauty of this situation is I don’t have to many any decision for a year. … I told all three networks lets see what happens in a year.”

My intention right now is to retire. Ernie would never go to another network. I have not talked to Kenny and Shaq.”

When asked if he would go to another network without his colleagues, Barkley said, “I don’t know to answer that question right now. I don’t know who’s got what going forward. … I would have to sit back and ESPN tell me what you got what you want me to do. Amazon tell me what you got what you want me to do. NBC tell me what you got what you want me to do.

This will all play out in court for the NBA and WBD/TNT. Barkley will be an interesting spectator, as will the sports world. The NBA drama continues to be a hot topic among fans and analysts alike.

For more NBA odds, betting analysis, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.


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