“ESPN… They never give anybody a chance to get any chemistry.” — Charles Barkley was quite clear about why ESPN could not develop a show like Inside the NBA. And now, after the latest developments between the NBA and TNT’s parent company, WBD, Chuck’s worst fear might have just come true. For those unaware, Warner Bros. Discovery had entered a legal battle with the NBA following the league’s deal with Discovery, Amazon, and NBC. And not many would’ve expected the outcome that has come from this legal battle.

As per the sources, the new agreement secures WBD’s partnership with the NBA for at least the next decade. And as a part of the framework of this new deal, TNT will license Inside the NBA to air on ESPN and ABC. Starting from next season. For fans of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith, there’s good news—the panelists aren’t going anywhere. The chemistry that makes this show click will remain intact.

Now, it’s to be seen if ESPN can resolve the complaints that Barkley had with the network on Podcast P with Paul George. Appearing on the podcast, Chuck was weighing on whether anyone would ever be able to replicate the success of the NBA on TNT.

“I don’t know if anybody ever gives it a chance, to be honest with you… ESPN, which I love, they never give anybody a chance to get any chemistry. They’re all kind of throwing stuff at the wall, ‘Like, let’s put this group together,’ and they’ll do that for like six months to a year. And then they’re like, ‘It didn’t work.’ Well, you didn’t give it a chance to work…” the ex-76ers star said.

He further highlighted how even their own show had its challenges and took time to be what it is now. It started with Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson, and then Chuck came along the way. And later, Shaq’s entry was the final piece in the puzzle.

Barkley, however, gave it to TNT for being patient enough to incorporate these new additions and giving them the time to evolve. But now that ESPN will have an established cast, Barkley’s assumptions about the network’s challenges at this point stand void.

What’s in it for TNT in the deal between WBD and the NBA?

In late July, TNT Sports sued the NBA after the league rejected its bid to match Amazon Prime Video’s offer. Shortly afterward, the NBA announced its massive 11-year, $77 billion deal with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video. Set to begin in the 2025-26 season.

Despite losing the rights to broadcast regular and postseason NBA games after this season, TNT Sports has something to look forward to. An article by The Athletic reported the network is guaranteed $350 million in profits over the first five years of its 11-year agreement. This reportedly includes no rights fees. Not bad for a network that’s stepping away from live games.

Apart from this, the deal also grants WBD the ability to produce new NBA-themed programming for US and international audiences. Additionally, it gives WBD access to international NBA rights in parts of Northern Europe and Latin America. Excluding Mexico and Brazil. This arrangement, expected to be announced next week, resolves the legal battle while keeping WBD in the NBA content game.

Clearly, the fight for live sports content is real. And WBD’s efforts to stay involved show how valuable the NBA remains for media giants.