The NBA recently turned down a bid from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to match an offer from Amazon for a portion of the league’s $76 billion media rights deal. Shortly after this decision, WBD, the parent company of TNT, filed a lawsuit in New York County Supreme Court.
Charles Barkley, a basketball legend and longtime co-host of TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” shared his thoughts on the failed media rights renewal. He expressed his belief that the NBA had been looking to part ways with TNT for some time. Barkley had previously announced his plan to retire after the 2024-25 NBA season but has since hinted at considering other opportunities.
During an interview on the “Dan Patrick Show,” Barkley mentioned that he had been in talks with three different networks about potential future opportunities. He emphasized that he was open to listening to what these networks had to offer, even though his retirement plans were still in place.
It was reported in May that Barkley’s contract with TNT includes a provision that would allow him to explore other options once the network’s NBA deal expires. Barkley confirmed the details of his contract, which would make him a free agent after the upcoming NBA season.
While Barkley acknowledged the potential interest from other networks, he reiterated his plans to retire from broadcasting. He highlighted the financial terms of his current contract with TNT and expressed his unwillingness to accept a pay cut in any future negotiations.
Looking ahead, the NBA’s media rights agreements include broadcasting games on Disney’s ABC and ESPN platforms, as well as a return to NBC and the introduction of games on Peacock. Amazon Prime Video will also feature a selection of games following the 2024-25 season.
Despite the ongoing negotiations and legal disputes surrounding the media rights, fans can expect a competitive battle for broadcasting rights in the coming years. Warner Bros. Discovery’s lawsuit against the NBA reflects their commitment to upholding their rights and providing fans with access to premium NBA content through their various distribution platforms.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the negotiations between networks, the NBA, and key personalities like Charles Barkley will impact the future of sports broadcasting. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
