Barkley Slams TNT Over NBA Rights Loss, ESPN Move

Charles Barkley has sharply criticized TNT executives for a lack of transparency and poor communication during last year's NBA media rights negotiations, which resulted in TNT losing the NBA broadcast rights to Disney, NBC, and Amazon through a deal worth at least $76 billion over 11 years. Barkley and his colleagues learned about potential job losses and the fate of 'Inside the NBA' through rumors and messages from ESPN staff rather than direct communication from TNT leadership. He highlighted the financial anxiety faced by less affluent co-workers and condemned TNT's unprofessional handling of employee communications. Barkley received news of the show's transfer to ESPN via congratulatory messages before any formal notice from TNT. Despite the ordeal, he expressed relief that 'Inside the NBA' and its staff will continue at ESPN, noting a warmer reception from the new host than from Turner. The new deal ends TNT’s decades-long association with NBA coverage.