Charles Barkley to consider ESPN, NBC, Amazon deals if TNT doesn’t honor full $210 million contract - The Athletic
Barkley said he planned to retire during the NBA Finals, but said he would be “stupid” not to listen to offers from ESPN, NBC and Amazon.
Charles Barkley, the renowned sports analyst and former NBA player, finds himself at a career crossroads as his current contract with TNT Sports approaches its final stages. Barkley disclosed to The Athletic that he has a substantial 10-year, $210 million contract with TNT Sports, and with the recent developments in the NBA media rights landscape, he must now decide whether to stay with the network or explore offers from rival broadcasters.
The NBA's decision to grant media rights to ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video, while declining TNT Sports' matching rights, has prompted Barkley to reconsider his future plans. In his conversation with The Athletic, Barkley expressed his understanding of the evolving media landscape, acknowledging that "it's going to all go to streaming" in the upcoming years.
While Barkley initially announced his retirement plans during the NBA Finals, he now seems open to continuing his broadcasting career if the right opportunities present themselves. He has been in contact with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon, and despite his inclination towards retirement, he is willing to consider their offers, especially if it means staying with his beloved "Inside the NBA" team, including Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith.
However, Barkley also displays a sense of loyalty to TNT Sports, acknowledging their efforts to maintain their relationship with the NBA. He feels for the people behind the scenes who may lose their jobs due to this transition. Despite the uncertainty, Barkley is determined to make the upcoming year, the final season of TNT Sports' NBA deal, a memorable one.
The situation surrounding Barkley's career decision is a complex one, involving substantial financial considerations, the dynamics of media rights, and the emotional aspect of leaving a long-standing partnership with TNT Sports. As Barkley evaluates his options, the sports broadcasting world eagerly anticipates his next move, knowing that his presence on any network would undoubtedly bring immense value and entertainment to basketball fans worldwide.
The NBA's decision to grant media rights to ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video, while declining TNT Sports' matching rights, has prompted Barkley to reconsider his future plans. In his conversation with The Athletic, Barkley expressed his understanding of the evolving media landscape, acknowledging that "it's going to all go to streaming" in the upcoming years.
While Barkley initially announced his retirement plans during the NBA Finals, he now seems open to continuing his broadcasting career if the right opportunities present themselves. He has been in contact with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon, and despite his inclination towards retirement, he is willing to consider their offers, especially if it means staying with his beloved "Inside the NBA" team, including Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith.
However, Barkley also displays a sense of loyalty to TNT Sports, acknowledging their efforts to maintain their relationship with the NBA. He feels for the people behind the scenes who may lose their jobs due to this transition. Despite the uncertainty, Barkley is determined to make the upcoming year, the final season of TNT Sports' NBA deal, a memorable one.
The situation surrounding Barkley's career decision is a complex one, involving substantial financial considerations, the dynamics of media rights, and the emotional aspect of leaving a long-standing partnership with TNT Sports. As Barkley evaluates his options, the sports broadcasting world eagerly anticipates his next move, knowing that his presence on any network would undoubtedly bring immense value and entertainment to basketball fans worldwide.