After Amazon got the rights to broadcast NBA-related content for the next decade or so, Charles Barkley announced he’ll be retiring soon. Turns out, the former power forward will be staying with TNT to continue his work there.
The league has completed an 11-year, $76-billion media rights deal, ending its long-standing relationship with cable network TNT in favor of new partnerships with Amazon, NBC, and ESPN. The league sought to maximize the reach and accessibility of games for fans, recognizing the growing shift towards streaming platforms among younger viewers.
Amazon’s Prime Video will now stream 66 regular-season games and the NBA Cup, a mid-season tournament, as well as the play-in tournament. Comcast’s NBC will air 100 regular-season games, with 50 exclusive to its Peacock streaming service, and will have the rights to the first round of the playoffs and the Conference Finals every other year.
ESPN will remain the home of the Finals, which will continue to air on ABC. The deal represents a significant shift in the league’s media landscape, reflecting the league’s desire to adapt to the evolving media landscape and reach a wider audience, particularly among younger demographics, through a diverse array of platforms.
NBA Legend Charles Barkley Declares He’s Staying With TNT After Previous Decision to Retire
With TNT losing the rights, the former basketball player declared he’ll be retiring from covering the league after next season. But in an article written by Michael McCarthy for Front Office Sports, the former Philadelphia 76ers star took back his decision and announced he’ll be staying with TNT.
“I love my TNT Sports family. My #1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible. We have the most amazing people, and they are the best at what they do. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them both on the shows we currently have—and new ones we develop together in the future.
This is the only place for me,” said the five-time Emmy winner in a statement. “I have to say … I’ve been impressed by the leadership team who is fighting hard and have been aggressive in adding new properties to TNT Sports, which I am very excited about. … I’m going to give my all as we keep them entertained for years to come.”
TNT is determined to keep its long-standing relationship with the league and retain the services of Barkley, who has been a fixture on Inside the NBA for over two decades. Despite his previous announcement of his potential departure, TNT aims to keep the former Sixers forward involved across its diverse sports programming, from college basketball to golf events.
It remains to be seen how the league will be covered once the upcoming season ends next year. In any case, fans will still get to watch Barkley over at TNT since he’s not going anywhere.
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