Charles Barkley floats idea for future of 'Inside the NBA'

Charles Barkley.

The most popular studio show in sports is in danger of extinction with NBA media rights slipping away from TNT, and Charles Barkley says he is considering a unique idea that might help save it.

TNT’s “Inside the NBA” is facing an uncertain future, as the network’s current media rights deal with the NBA is set to expire after the 2024-25 season. If TNT loses the rights, the popular studio show featuring Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson may cease.

Barkley discussed the situation during Thursday's “The Dan Patrick Show.” The Hall of Famer called TNT executives “clowns” for the way they are handling negotiations with the NBA. Patrick then suggested that Barkley and the “Inside the NBA” crew should continue to do the show and potentially sell it to another network or streaming giant. Barkley said that is something he has considered.

“I’ve talked to the guys about everybody signing with my production company because I have my own production company. I would love to do that if we lose it,” Barkley said. “Actually somebody suggested that to me, to be honest with you, on the internet: ‘Why don’t Charles Barkley sign these three guys, four guys total, to his production company and sell it?’ I’m like, that’s a great idea.”

You can hear the discussion at the 1:30 mark:

Barkley was also critical of David Zaslav, the CEO of TNT's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. Zaslav said at a conference two years ago that TNT does not need to retain NBA rights to be successful. While Barkley said he has no inside information, he wonders if Zaslav’s remark angered NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Barkley's contract with TNT includes an opt-out clause that allows him to leave if the network loses its NBA rights.

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