Charles Barkley Defies Pressure to Stay Silent on TNT Losing NBA Rights
Charles Barkley, the outspoken host of TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” is refusing to stay quiet despite pressure from colleagues and corporate bosses at Warner Bros. Discovery. The network has not secured rights to broadcast NBA games on TNT after the current contract expires next season, leaving the future of the iconic show in question.
During the Western Conference finals in Minneapolis, New York Times reporter Tania Ganguli witnessed security and public relations officials trying to prevent Barkley from speaking to the press about the possibility of TNT losing the NBA. Despite the pushback, Barkley stood his ground, insisting, “Hey, man, I can talk to who I want to.”
Barkley’s co-host Kenny Smith expressed irritation at the situation, urging Barkley to at least speak to the Times reporter outside the elevator. However, Barkley dismissed the suggestion, emphasizing that he wanted to speak out because the potential loss of NBA rights will impact the lives of many people involved in the show.
The future of “Inside the NBA,” which has been a staple on TNT since 1989, is uncertain as other networks like Disney, NBC, and Amazon are expected to bid for NBA broadcasting rights. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav previously stated that the company doesn’t necessarily need the NBA, a sentiment that has clearly resonated with Barkley and his colleagues.
Despite the tension surrounding the situation, Warner Bros. Discovery has not commented on the matter. While Barkley has been vocal about the issue, his colleagues have been more cautious. Shaquille O’Neal joked that the crew isn’t allowed to talk since Barkley’s outburst, while host Ernie Johnson reprimanded a Times reporter for approaching him without permission.
Barkley, who recently co-hosted a CNN program and has criticized Warner Bros. Discovery management over network ratings, remains determined to speak out on behalf of his colleagues and the future of “Inside the NBA.” As negotiations for NBA rights continue, the fate of the beloved show hangs in the balance.
