Charles Barkley Can Opt-Out Of TNT Contract If Network Loses NBA, Starting ESPN-NBC-Amazon Bidding War

NBC is reportedly prepared to bid $2.5 billion to edge out TNT for the rights to the NBA, joining ESPN and Amazon as the league's broadcast partners for the next decade.

TNT has the right to match any offer. But with parent company Warner Bros. Discovery in mountains of debt, it's realistic to believe that the NBA will not remain on TNT past next season.

That has fans wondering what a TNT-less NBA would mean for Charles Barkley and the Emmy Award-winning, wildly popular "Inside the NBA" studio show, also featuring Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and host Ernie Johnson.

Barkley re-signed with TNT in 2022. However, he negotiated an opt-out clause in the contract that allows him to leave the company if the network loses the NBA.

"I just signed a 10-year deal two years ago, but one of the things I did [is] I put an opt-out after a couple of years because I wanted to make sure I covered my ass when it comes to this situation – if I wanted to go to Amazon because we thought it was going to be Apple to be honest with you," Barkley said on The Really Big Show on ESPN 850 Cleveland on Tuesday.

"So the one thing I did in my new contract – I’m two years into a 10-year deal, and when I [sat] down, I said, ‘Wait a minute now. If you guys lose the NBA, I want to make sure I can get out of here,’ so I am actually in a really great position."

In that event, Barkley would immediately become the most sought-after free agent in sports media. All three NBA partners – ESPN, Amazon, and NBC – would bid for his services.

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 7: Charles Barkley smiles before the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers as part of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament on December 7, 2023 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by  Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images)

TNT currently pays Barkley $10 million a year. A bidding war between three networks/streamers could elevate Barkley into the $17-$20 million range, the Pat McAfee and Troy Aikman range.

Barkley won't shed any tears if TNT cannot retain the NBA.  In which case, we'd earmark Amazon as the favorite for his services.

Barkley's most viral and entertaining commentary comes after the games, during the post-game portion of "Inside the NBA." NBC does not have the bandwidth to replicate TNT's post-game coverage, needing to turn the channel back over to local affiliates at night.  

At ESPN, Barkley would have to share the NBA studio show with Stephen A. Smith. Neither Smith nor Barkley are the types of personalities that want to share a stage.

Amazon, as a streaming service, has a clean slate. Amazon also has the largest budget of the three. 

Barkley often raves about his chemistry with Shaq, Ernie, and Kenny. Should the other three also have the option to opt out of their contracts, Amazon would be best suited to bring the entire band over from TNT.

"The most important thing for me was, ‘Okay, if y’all lose the NBA, I want to make sure I can walk away, no feelings’ because TNT, like I say, they’ve been great to me," Barkley continued. 

"I love working at TNT, but listen, I always cover myself, and I made sure [of] that because we want back and forth – me and my agent and TNT."

Expect TNT to decide on whether to match NBC's offer by the end of this current NBA season.