Charles Barkley says the move of Inside the NBA from TNT Sports to ESPN has been “great,” praising the network for its hands-off approach and the opportunity to work on one of sports media’s most visible platforms.
Speaking on The Dan Patrick Show, Barkley emphasized that his comments were sincere, not a product of flattery.
“I said this and I wasn’t kissing anybody’s ass,” he said. “I ain’t going to kiss nobody ass. That’s the best thing about having money. I don’t have to listen to anybody.”
For Barkley, joining ESPN represents a professional milestone which he echoed on the programs debut on the network.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to work for ESPN because every kid grew up wanting to be on ESPN,” he said. “Every kid who’s ever touched any type of ball, if they’re being honest, you feel like you’ve made it. So it’s an honor to work for them.”
Despite the network switch, Barkley said the transition has been smooth. The first three shows aired on ESPN have gone “great,” he noted, crediting the network for giving the team creative freedom. “They left us alone,” Barkley said.
However, the NBA Hall of Famer acknowledged one frustration since launching on the network. During the first week on ESPN, a double-overtime game on NBC drew significant attention. Followed the next night by standout performances from Victor Wembanyama and Steph Curry. Barkley said the team was unable to cover these moments due to the FBI investigation into some current and former players/coaches in the NBA in a sports gambling ring.
“That was the only downer,” he said.
Aside from that limitation, Barkley called the experience “fantastic,” reflecting his enthusiasm for continuing the show in a new setting. Inside the NBA is now airing on Disney platforms (ESPN/ABC) throughout the season under a sublicensing agreement with ESPN through which TNT Sports will continue to produce the show.
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