Charles Barkley May Leave ‘Inside the NBA’ for ESPN, Keeps Options Open!

Starting from the 2025-26 season, the acclaimed 21-time Emmy-winning program Inside the NBA, currently in partnership with TNT Sports and the NBA, will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC. However, there’s a possibility that the show might transition without one of its key personalities. The beloved quartet of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal has been a hallmark of the show’s success, but Barkley’s participation in the move is uncertain.

During a recent segment on The Dan Patrick Show, Barkley revealed his indecision about following the show to its new network. He expressed his ongoing deliberations about his future, indicating that he is weighing multiple options.

“I haven’t decided yet,” Barkley stated, regarding the continuity of his contract with ESPN. “I’m considering offers from NBC and Amazon and want to explore all opportunities before making a commitment. I have great respect for the team at ESPN and will give my all if I decide to join them.”

Barkley continued by expressing frustrations over the lack of clear scheduling from ESPN, contrasting it with his predictable routine at TNT. “They haven’t given us any schedule at all. It would be irresponsible not to meet with NBC and Amazon, both of which I’ve done. The main thing I’ve asked everyone is ‘Can you please give me a definite schedule?’ Because right now, no one has any clarity. At TNT, I always knew our schedule … I need to know how much work is expected of me!”

Reflecting on his potential workload, Patrick, a former ESPN employee from 1989 to 2007, warned Barkley that he might end up working more than anticipated. “I know how they operate,” Patrick remarked.

Barkley emphasized the importance of understanding the expectations and schedule ahead. “I want to know what they expect from us. Will we keep the same schedule? Are we supposed to cover ABC, ESPN, and TNT? Because TNT seemed interested in continuing something. I’m not going to juggle ABC, ESPN, and TNT. That’s not happening,” he clarified.

In 2022, at the age of 61, Barkley reportedly signed a 10-year contract worth $210 million with Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns TNT, to continue his role as an analyst on Inside the NBA. It remains to be seen if he will stay with this contract.

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