The NBA announced on Wednesday that TNT was not able to match Amazon Prime’s portion of the new media rights deal, indicating a shift in coverage to ESPN, NBC, and Amazon. Charles Barkley, a prominent figure on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” show, expressed his disappointment in the decision, attributing it to financial motives on the NBA’s part.
In a statement, Barkley conveyed his belief that the NBA had always intended to move on from TNT, despite their efforts to match the monetary offer. He criticized the league for prioritizing profit over loyalty to longstanding partners like TNT. Barkley also praised the dedicated team at TNT and reassured fans that they would continue to deliver top-notch content.
While Warner Brothers, TNT’s parent company, vowed to take action, it seems likely that TNT will cease NBA broadcasts after the upcoming season. Barkley hinted at the possibility of his production company taking over the show, but later announced his plans to retire after the next season. The finalized media deal remains uncertain, with TNT considering legal action to challenge Amazon’s involvement.