Charles Barkley Criticizes ESPN Deal Bringing 'Inside the NBA' to the Network

The NBA's new media rights deal will shift the popular TNT show to ESPN in 2025, prompting Barkley to express concerns about creative freedom.

The NBA's new media rights deal includes ESPN/ABC, Amazon, and NBC, leaving Warner Bros. Discovery (TNT's parent company) out of the agreement.
As part of the deal, 'Inside the NBA' will move to ESPN/ABC starting in the 2025-26 season but will continue to be produced by TNT with full editorial control.
Charles Barkley joked about the transition, suggesting the team would need to conform to ESPN's more regulated environment, which contrasts with the show's unfiltered style.
Warner Bros. Discovery has filed a lawsuit against the NBA, claiming its matching rights were not honored in the media rights negotiations.
Barkley emphasized his commitment to preserving jobs at TNT, even offering to take a pay cut to ensure the show's continuation.