The NBA’s recent decision to secure an 11-year broadcasting agreement with Amazon Prime Video, Disney, and NBC while snubbing Warner Bros. has stirred significant controversy. Charles Barkley did not hold back his criticism of the move, igniting a heated response from fellow analyst Stephen A. Smith.
Smith addressed Barkley’s comments in the latest episode of “The Stephen A. Smith Show” on YouTube. He argued that the shift in broadcasting partnerships was a natural progression in the industry.
“Everybody’s looking to get paid, everybody’s trying to get paid, and those people at TNT are incredibly talented,” Smith said.
Smith also suggested that top talent would follow the money and opportunities provided by the new networks.
“And if you are Amazon, if you are ESPN-ABC, if you are NBC and what have you, look at them. There’s a lot of talent to pluck from that tree. They know what they’re doing over there,” Smith added.
This means the 2024–25 season will be TNT’s last after nearly four decades of broadcasting NBA games. TNT has broadcast NBA games since 1989.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Stephen A. Smith Criticizes TNT for Losing NBA Broadcast Rights
Before blasting Charles Barkley, Stephen A. Smith expressed frustration over TNT’s loss of the NBA broadcast rights. Smith feels it is a significant misstep for the network. On an episode of “The Stephen A. Smith Show” on YouTube, Smith did not hold back his criticism of TNT’s loss.
“How many episodes of Law & Order can you air?” he questioned.
Smith later shared the value of TNT’s NBA commentary team, consisting of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. He praised their talent and suggested that other networks should seize the opportunity to bring them on board.
“Anybody who can get their hands on Charles Barkley, Shaq, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson should do it. Even if it’s ESPN,” Smith added.
TNT isn’t likely to go down without a legal fight as reportedly they are gearing up for a legal showdown.
