There is perhaps no bigger star in NBA television broadcasts than Charles Barkley.
His outsized personality, combined with his chemistry with host Ernie Johnson Jr. and former players Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith, made the studio show “Inside the NBA” incredibly popular. is gaining.
However, Sir Charles confirmed that the relationship with 'The Association' will continue as TNT Norlock will be part of the league's next television deal.
“I just signed a 10-year deal two years ago, but one of the things I did was opt out after a couple of years because I wanted to cover my ass when it came to this situation,” Barkley said Wednesday. told. 850 ESPN Cleveland Interview.
The NBA's contracts with ESPN/ABC and TNT are set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. Amazon Prime reportedly signed a deal last month to become one of the NBA's broadcast partners starting with the 2025-26 season.
ESPN/ABC is expected to continue broadcasting the NBA, including the NBA Finals. Additionally, NBC, which lost NBA broadcast rights in 2002, is reportedly interested in returning to the league, which could take TNT out of the picture.
Barkley said he realized that was a possibility when he and his “Inside the NBA” colleagues signed new contracts in 2022.
“I said, 'If you guys lose to the NBA, I want to make sure I get out of here.' So I'm actually in a really great position,” Barkley said. ”
Contributor: Jordan Mendoza