Despite being one of the league's media partners for the past few decades, TNT's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) lost its broadcast rights deal to competitors.
On Wednesday, the NBA rejected an offer for WBD to exercise its right to match an offer from Amazon for a portion of the league’s 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal.
Charles Barkley, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and longtime co-host of TNT's popular “Inside the NBA” studio show, reacted to the company's failed attempt to renew media rights.
Barkley suggested that the company he works for was always at a disadvantage because the NBA was focused on working out deals with Amazon because of the amount of money the streaming giant could bring in.
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Charles Barkley on air before the NCAA men's basketball tournament Final Four championship game between the Connecticut Huskies and the San Diego State Aztecs at NRG Stadium on April 3, 2023 in Houston. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
“It's clear the NBA has wanted to break up with us from the beginning. I'm not sure TNT ever stood a chance,” Barkley wrote in the statement. “TNT matched the amount, but the league knows Amazon and these tech companies are the only ones willing to pay for the rights when they double their offering in the future. The NBA didn't want to upset them.”
The outspoken television analyst accused NBA leaders and team owners of doing basketball fans a disservice.
NBA rejects WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY media rights offer; TNT broadcasts likely to cease after next season
“It's a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over fans. It's a real shame.”
Barkley also expressed disappointment at the impact the loss of NBA broadcast rights will have on the people he works with at TNT. “They are the best and most talented people and they deserve better,” he said.
However, Barkley promised to give fans the best experience possible during TNT's final season of broadcasting NBA games. “I also want to thank the NBA and its fans, the best fans in the game. We're going to give them everything we've got next season.”
Charles Barkley has long been a key figure on TNT's iconic “Inside the NBA” show, but Warner Bros. Discovery has not secured the rights to air NBA games on the network beyond next season, when the current contract expires. (David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Shortly after the NBA announced it would move forward with Amazon, the league released a statement saying WBD’s proposal did not meet the terms of the rival offer.
“Warner Bros. Discovery's most recent proposal did not match the terms of Amazon Prime Video's offer and therefore we have reached a long-term agreement with Amazon,” the league said. “Throughout these negotiations, our primary goal has been to maximize the reach and accessibility of our games for our fans. Our new agreements with Amazon support this goal by complementing the broadcast, cable and streaming package already part of our new agreements with Disney and NBCUniversal.”
At the end of May, the Sports Business Magazine The NBA was reportedly expected to begin formalizing deals with Disney, Amazon and NBC. However, before the contracts receive final approval, WBD management would have the opportunity to match the “full value” of other offers, according to the report.
The announcement of the settlement doesn't mean the saga is over, however. It sets up a high-stakes battle between the NBA, WBD and, in effect, TNT Sports. Mediation could be the next step, but if the parties can't come to a resolution, things could end up being settled in court.
The NBA's current media rights deal expires at the end of the 2024-25 season. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“If TNT files suit, it could lead to further discussions and a potential deal with other NBA rights or financial possibilities as a result.” The athletic reported.
TNT Sports later issued a statement rejecting the claim that it had failed to comply with Amazon's offer and vowing to “take appropriate action.”
“We have matched Amazon's offer, as we have the contractual right to do, and we do not believe the NBA can refuse. In doing so, they are turning away the many fans who continue to show their unwavering support for our first-class coverage, delivered through the full combined reach of WBD's video distribution platforms, including TNT, home of our four-decade partnership with the league, and Max, our leading streaming service.
“We believe our contractual rights regarding the 2025-26 season and beyond have been grossly misinterpreted, and we will take appropriate action. However, we look forward to another great NBA season on TNT and Max, including our iconic 'Inside the NBA.'”
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Barkley, who was named a TNT analyst in 2000, reportedly has a clause in your contract This will allow him to go elsewhere once the network's NBA contract runs out. However, earlier this month, Barkley made the surprising announcement that he would retire from broadcast television next year.
“I've been thinking, guys. I want to say this because you guys are my family. I really love TNT, all the people that work here, NBA Television; you guys have been great to me for 24 years. I just want to say thank you to my entire NBA family. I love you guys.” Barkley said.
“There's been a lot of noise around our network over the last few months. I just want to say that I've talked to all the other networks, but I'm not going anywhere other than TNT. But I've made the decision that no matter what happens, next year will be my last year on television.”
The league's current media rights deal is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.
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