No doubt Charles Barkley will get paid!
The NBA is reportedly in the midst of signing huge media rights deals with NBC, ESPN and Amazon worth $76 billion, according to NBA reports. The Wall Street JournalThe deal will take effect from the 2025-26 season. $26 billion That is the case at the moment.
With TNT being booted, the legendary “Inside the NBA” show will have its final episode next season, leaving the futures of cast members Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley uncertain… well, maybe not for Barkley. (RELATED: LeBron and Lakers reportedly planning ‘huge’ offer to Dan Hurley in shocking twist)
That’s because NBC, ESPN and Amazon all appear to want Barkley’s services.
“We know ESPN, Amazon and NBC are interested in him, according to executives who have been briefed on their plans.” The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand and Richard Deitch.
ESPN, Amazon and NBC are expected to show interest in Charles Barkley. @Andrew Marchand
“We know ESPN, Amazon and NBC are interested in him, according to executives briefed on the plans. If TNT Sports loses the NBA, it’s not like Barkley would have free reign…” pic.twitter.com/5GOANWAXv9
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 6, 2024
If I were NBC (I’m not saying ESPN or Amazon because I don’t want either of them on it), I’d throw a ton of money at the entire “Inside the NBA” crew. Charles, Shaq, Ernie, Kenny, the whole bunch! And I’d get Candace Parker for some sweet girl power.
I’d be greedy, because with all four of them (and the occasional Candace) the show would be easy to recreate, plus NBC has the money to make it happen.
But also ESPN and Amazon?
I have a feeling there will be a bidding war!
