Charles Barkley plans to remain with TNT beyond 2025, despite the network losing NBA rights.
The 2024-25 NBA season may mark the end of TNT’s Inside the NBA, one of the most iconic sports shows.
Hosted by Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, the show has been a staple of basketball coverage since its debut in 1989.
Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns TNT, lost its NBA broadcasting rights to Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon, starting in the 2025-26 season. Despite this, Barkley is committed to staying with TNT.
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported that Barkley will continue his 10-year, $210 million contract. He is in the third year of this deal and has stated, “I love my TNT Sports family” and “My #1 priority has been and always will be our people.”
Barkley’s future with TNT remains secure, with the network exploring new programming opportunities. Although TNT’s lawsuit to retain NBA rights remains uncertain, Barkley’s presence will continue in coverage of the NCAA Tournament and possibly other properties, such as the NHL.
Inside the NBA has been praised for its engaging and often humorous analysis, becoming a defining part of basketball broadcasting.
