Charles Barkley’s doubts have once again clouded Inside the NBA. After months of chaotic assumptions about the show’s future, fans finally breathed a sigh of relief when TNT announced the move of Inside the NBA to ESPN. However, many already know this hasn’t been Barkley’s ideal workspace, and his new employers couldn’t follow a more hectic schedule. As an ex-ESPN employee sheds light on its secrets, Barkley’s growing uncertainty could influence Shaquille O’Neal as well and lead to what fans fear the most.

During a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Chuck was warned by the host about ESPN’s work culture. “You’re going to be working a lot more than you think you’re going to be working,” Patrick warned. Seemingly hesitant, Barkley admitted that while he loves ESPN, he isn’t ready yet for that workload. 

The network announced last month that Inside the NBA would be moving to ESPN with the whole of the crew intact. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had called it a ‘huge win for the basketball fans everywhere’ while ESPN announced coverage information including high-profile live events, halftime and postgame coverage of the NBA Finals, Christmas Day, and the final week among others. However, that seems to be all the details revealed, as Chuck’s comments suggest that even the cast is oblivious to the workings of the new setting.

“I wanna know what they are expecting. Are we gonna have the same schedule? Are we gonna have to do ABC, ESPN, and TNT?… I am not going to be doing both… that’s not gonna happen,” Chuck asserted. Now if that wasn’t clear that the Philadelphia 76ers legend is on the brink of exiting the network on any trigger, he has more to admit.

“I haven’t decided yet. I’m listening to NBC and Amazon. I want to know everything that’s on the table for me before I sign in. I love those guys at ESPN and if we end up there, I’m gonna do the best I possibly can,” Barkley dropped the bombshell. If Barkley opts out, Shaquille O’Neal, whose contract with TNT is expiring soon, might follow Chuck’s lead. 

O’Neal’s contract currently covers only NBA coverage, unlike his TNT colleagues, whose deals also include the NCAA tournament. His eight-month deal is set to expire on July 1, 2025. While he has expressed interest in staying with Inside the NBA, the deal isn’t finalized. Moreover, like Barkley, he may explore opportunities.

And Chuck has already clarified himself — he won’t work “like no damn dog.”

Charles Barkley isn’t fond of ESPN’s work culture 

As per New York Post, Chuck signed a 10-year deal with TNT, worth between $100 million and $200 million. He is the most coveted free agent and would have an interesting offer if he joined other networks, including ESPN. Back in August, when the matters were still uncertain, the 76ers icon had revealed he had left a $100 million offer to remain with TNT. But looks like work culture is all that matters for the Round Mound of Rebound at 61 years old. 

Previously, in an interview with The SI Media Podcast, Barkley explained that he has no wish to work for ESPN. “They’re not gonna work me like a dog. ESPN Radio, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes. I mean, HELL NO! As much as I love ESPN, I just turned 61. The notion that I’m going to be working like a dog into my mid-60s, that’s definitely not going to happen,” he said. 

But the only problem with the network remains its work culture. During a conversation with host Chris Miles after the announcement of the merger, Barkley ensured that he would join ESPN. But the situation seems different now. Chuck is known to sway against his words. Be it his retirement announcement, taking it back, assuring he wasn’t going to other network but TNT, and then revealing he is considering other offers, the 11x All-Star’s media run has been uncertain of late. So we might as well catch the Inside the NBA crew intact for the next season.