Charles Barkley admits being concerned over TNT’s future with NBA after NBC deal

Furthermore, the NBA’s exclusive media rights for negotiating with Disney and TNT’s parent company ended last month, which further increased doubt among fans about TNT’s ability to maintain its NBA broadcasting rights. NBC, as reported, has become a serious threat to obtain TNT’s NBA media rights, which would potentially end “Inside the NBA” on the network.

Charles Barkley is now worried about the potential job losses for his colleagues and feels TNT should get the benefit of the doubt given its 40-year partnership with the NBA. But it looks like that’s not happening. 

Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal’s absence from Inside the NBA as a result of uncertain future

According to reports, tension at TNT has reached a boiling point with the noticeable absence of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley from the latest “Inside the NBA” episode fueling the uncertainty. Furthermore, fans have expressed their concern and nostalgia for the show online, and are unsure if their beloved TNT will retain its NBA rights.

However, according to Michael McCarthy, the show’s popular hosts were missing because they were promoting TNT at the company’s Sports Upfront presentation in NYC. The event was aimed at pitching upcoming projects that would attract valuable ad buyers. McCarthy also noted that TNT’s 40-year NBA relationship is “hanging by a thread.”

Furthermore, the NBA has been a part of TNT Sports for almost four decades and has held a special place in people’s hearts thanks to the chemistry between Shaq and Barkley. Fans credit their banter as a key reason for the show’s popularity. Shaq is keeping his fingers crossed, hoping for a positive outcome amidst the uncertainty.