Charles Barkley and the Inside the NBA crew will continue after next season after ESPN brokered a deal with TNT to broadcast the show. That move secured their future and that of their staff leaving basketball fans breathing easy.
It brought to an end the constant conversations surrounding their futures as Barkley wanted to quit TNT but was convinced to unretire. He particularly wanted to ensure his support staff did not have to look for jobs once the show was over.
However, colleague Shaquille O’Neal‘s future was still in limbo as his contract was about to expire. He was annoyed when ESPN and TNT announced the deal despite him not having a deal in place. But that limbo does not stop with him as Charles Barkley revealed while on The Dan Patrick Show.
I haven’t decided yet. I’m listening to NBC, Amazon. I want to know everything that’s on the table for me before I sign in. I love those guys at ESPN and if we end up there, I’m gonna do the best I possibly can. But I’d be doing myself a disservice not to meet with NBC, which I have. And meet with Amazon, which I have.
Charles Barkley on The Dan Patrick Show
“I’m listening to NBC and Amazon. I want to know everything that’s on the table for me before I sign in… If we go to ESPN I got nothing but respect for those guys, but I’m not going to be doing ABC, ESPN and TNT.”
-Charles Barkley discusses his future on television pic.twitter.com/oLQlMFssqE
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) December 18, 2024
The Hall of Famer’s words show he has not fully committed to TNT. He wants to see what the other networks offer. He may have a 10-year $200 million contract, but with Inside the NBA set to be produced at the behest of ESPN, he wants to see if there are better options available.
Charles Barkley won’t overwork at ESPN
If he does stay put, it means his face will be on ESPN broadcasts on Tuesday and Thursday nights. It is ironic for him as he has trolled ESPN in the past for their overbearing work culture. Host Dan Patrick, a former ESPN employee, suggested ESPN could work Barkley a lot, prompting him to respond.
They’re not gonna work Charles like no damn dog. I’m not going to be doing five shows, I’m not going to be working four days a week on any network. That’s not gonna happen. I’m gonna sit my fat black a** at home if it comes down (to it).
Charles Barkley on The Dan Patrick Show
Dan Patrick knowing all too well how it goes at ESPN riled up the 6′ 6″ forward during this discussion. But Charles Barkley kept saying that if it comes down to it, he will quit and sit in his backyard in Phoenix, Arizona.
He added that in his discussions with ESPN, NBC and Amazon, he has asked for schedules. But he is yet to receive them and it is making it difficult for him to take a decision. Once he gets the schedules and the other details in writing, he will finalize his future.
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