The NBA declined a proposal from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) that sought to exercise its right to match an offer from Amazon related to a segment of the league’s extensive 11-year, $76 billion media rights agreement on Wednesday.
Shortly after the news broke, WBD, which owns TNT, filed a lawsuit in New York County Supreme Court under seal, less than 48 hours later.
Charles Barkley, the NBA Hall of Famer and long-time co-host of TNT’s hit show “Inside the NBA,” commented on the company’s unsuccessful effort to renew media rights.
“It’s evident the NBA has sought to part ways with us from the start. I’m not convinced TNT ever stood a chance,” he stated in a release. In June, Barkley expressed his plans to retire after the 2024-25 NBA season. On Friday, he suggested he was considering other possibilities.
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Charles Barkley speaks onstage Feb. 12, 2015, in New York City. (Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for American Express)
“I have had conversations with all three networks. … I have spoken to three networks,” Barkley mentioned on Friday during an appearance on the “Dan Patrick Show.”
When Patrick inquired if Barkley would stick to his retirement plans while receiving calls from other media companies, the NBA icon stated he was “going to listen” to what they had to offer.
‘INSIDE THE NBA’ HOST CHARLES BARKLEY SUGGESTS SEPARATION FROM LEAGUE WAS Inevitable: ‘NOT SURE TNT EVER HAD A CHANCE’
“To start with, I would be foolish not to take their call, but the beauty of this situation… I don’t need to make any decisions for a year, Dan,” Barkley replied. “But I assured all three networks, ‘I’m honored. I’m flattered that you all wish to discuss this with me, but let’s wait and see what transpires in a year.’
According to a report from the Sports Business Journal in May, Barkley has a provision in his contract permitting him to explore other options once the network’s NBA deal expires.
Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley of TNT discuss on Feb. 17, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Brandon Todd/NBAE via Getty Images)
Barkley verified the details of his substantial contract with TNT, explaining that the terms are arranged to permit him to become a free agent immediately after the 2024-25 NBA season concludes.
“My contract is for ten years, totaling $210 million. Next year will mark the beginning of the third year,” Barkley disclosed to Patrick. “Turner has to approach me today or next week and admit, ‘We messed up. Would you accept a payout?’ Hence, they will either guarantee the entire ten years for $210 million, or they will have to propose a pay cut, and under no conditions am I agreeing to take a pay cut. There is absolutely no chance of me accepting a pay reduction.”
He further mentioned that while he expects to be a sought-after media persona next year, he is steadfast in his desire to conclude his broadcasting career.
“However, quite honestly, I doubt they (TNT) will offer a guarantee because they don’t really have anything firm. Thus, I believe I will be a free agent come next summer. For now, my objective is to retire.”
A basketball placed next to an NBA logo during a break in the first half of a Las Vegas game. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The new media rights arrangements continue to grant broadcasting rights to Disney’s ABC and ESPN, while also bringing back NBA games to NBC and introducing them on the Peacock streaming service. Amazon Prime Video is set to acquire a selection of games starting after the 2024-25 season.
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Nevertheless, WBD’s lawsuit indicates that the contest for the NBA’s broadcasting rights may eventually unfold in a courtroom. WBD issued a statement justifying its legal action.
“In light of the NBA’s unwarranted rejection of our match against a third-party offer, we have pursued legal means to assert our rights,” WBD stated. “We strongly believe this is not merely our contractual entitlement but also serves the best interests of fans who wish to continue enjoying our top-tier NBA content with the diversity and flexibility provided by our extensively distributed WBD video-first distribution platforms – including TNT and Max.”
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