via Getty
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 05: Former NBA player Charles Barkley speaks during a press conference prior to Game Four of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
via Getty
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 05: Former NBA player Charles Barkley speaks during a press conference prior to Game Four of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
The last few hours have been heartbreaking for the fans of Inside the NBA, as reports have revealed the ultimate answer on whether they will continue for the upcoming seasons. Although Turner Sports has not released an official statement yet, it is likely they have not matched the demanded offer. Fans are waiting for an official confirmation, but it looks like Charles Barkley hinted about it today ahead of Game 1 between the Timberwolves and Mavericks.
This topic began when Barkley addressed the Caitlin Clark hate in today’s episode. The youngster’s first few games have been a bit underwhelming and a few have criticized her on it. Barkley took the trouble of addressing the hate and Draymond Green, who joined the show today, replied, “They are gonna hate you even more now”.
The Chuckster replied, “They can hate on me, but that mailman better be at my damn house on the 1st and 15th. For another year.” The last three words are to be highlighted. As per reports, the Inside the NBA’s stint with TNT will not end with this season, but after 2024-25, which is why Charles Barkley wanted his paycheck, “for another year”.
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Warner Bros., which has TNT as one of its divisions, has a $40 billion debt, which is the reason behind the show coming to an end. As per a report, “WBD had a debt of $ 41,889 million after 2023-12-31. After the first quarter end of this year, the debt still amounts to $39,148 million.”
After Charles Barkley rants about Caitlin Clark haters, Draymond Green says, “They’re gonna hate you even more now.”
Barkely responds w/a reference to TNT’s NBA future: “They can hate on me, but that mailman better be at my house on the 1st and 15th. For another year.” pic.twitter.com/ms1MMqjFyl
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) May 23, 2024
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After the above words from Barkley, the fans need not wait for a confirmation from TNT.
Who is likely to get the NBA rights now that TNT is out of the picture?
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The deal for the NBA rights has been divided into three packages. As per reports, ESPN will pay for Package A for a total of $2.8 billion. This package includes the NBA Finals, Conference Finals, WNBA, and international rights. Package C is expected to be around $1.8 billion to $2 billion. Amazon holds the rights to this and they will get to feature the In-Season Tournament, Play-In Tournament, and first-round playoff games.
Package B is the one that TNT was supposed to match an offer for. Due to the $40 billion debt of Warner Bros., now this package will likely go to NBC, who have reportedly made an offer. If this happens, we will see NBA on NBC in the upcoming seasons, with probably a new set of hosts and analysts. With Ernie Johnson adamant about staying with Turner Sports, Charles Barkley, Shaq, and Kenny Smith might have to find new jobs on different broadcasts.
