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'I was going to be on LinkedIn…' Charles Barkley yet again jokes about end of Inside the NBA during live broadcast
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The future of TNT’s Inside The NBA, one of the greatest sports shows in history, is uncertain due to the NBA’s media rights switching from Warner Bros. to NBC Universal.

Charles Barkley has openly joked about needing a new job and has made media appearances where he discussed the possibility of Turner losing the media rights.

Chuck’s comment was a lighthearted way of acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his future with Turner. He has been a staple of the network’s NBA coverage for decades and has become synonymous with Inside the NBA.

Wait, 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon? We're not doing that, are we? Because I'm gonna be on LinkedIn tomorrow afternoon. Charles Barkley joked on Inside the NBA:

Charles Barkley also revealed that he has an opt-out clause in his contract, which allows him to leave if Turner loses the NBA rights. Ernie Johnson, on the other hand, will remain with Turner even if they lose the NBA media rights, as this likely guarantees the end of Inside the NBA as we know it.

The potential loss of inside the NBA is a significant blow to sports media, as the show has been a staple of NBA coverage for decades. The chemistry and camaraderie between Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Smith, and Johnson have made the show a must-watch, and their absence will be deeply felt.

Charles Barkley concerned about TNT’s Inside the NBA’s workers

Inside the NBA, hosted by Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson Jr., faces an uncertain future due to media rights complications. The show’s humor and pranks have entertained basketball fans for years, but its end may be nearing.

Charles Barkley has expressed concerns, saying it would be sad to see the decades-long partnership crumble easily. He hopes the show continues, not just for the hosts but for the people who work behind the scenes.

I hope it does. Not just for me, and Kenny, Ernie, and Shaq, but for the real people who work there. It sucks right now to be this stressful. Charles Barkley said about the situation

The show’s closure would affect hundreds of jobs and leave a void on television. NBC’s parent company, Comcast, is willing to pay $2.5 billion annually to acquire the NBA media rights owned by TNT. Sportswriter Bill Simmons claimed NBC has already locked up the TV rights, with an announcement delayed until the NBA playoffs end.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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