As TNT NBA Era Ends, Charles Barkley Calls ESPN Move an ‘Honor’

TNT’s long-awaited goodbye to its NBA coverage finally happened Saturday night after the Pacers eliminated the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, and the network’s top on-air talent signed off with emotional—and controversial—farewells.

“If I had written the script, the NBA and TNT would be together forever,” Inside the NBA host Ernie Johnson said as chants of “TNT, TNT” echoed from the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. “It’s not gonna happen. But while I was disappointed and I was sad, I was not bitter. We know how business works. Gratitude is the operative word for me.”

Next season, the NBA’s new $77 billion media rights deals with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon begin, ending TNT’s 36-year run broadcasting NBA games. 

“Our hearts are full of gratitude—not sadness—but gratitude and happiness for what has been,” TNT lead play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan said. “It has been an honor. It has been a privilege. And I hope you all have enjoyed it as much as we have.” Harlan will be part of Amazon’s NBA broadcast team next season.

Inside the NBA Ready for ESPN Era

Inside the NBA, TNT’s flagship NBA studio show, will move to ESPN next season, but retain its cast and production team in Atlanta.

Shaquille O’Neal sent a pointed message to ESPN and TNT on his way out. “To that network we coming to, we not coming to eff around,” he said. “Since this is the last show, I’m going to say it: We not coming to f*** around.”

Charles Barkley echoed the excitement, albeit in a more FCC-friendly manner.  “To ESPN, it’s going to be an honor and a privilege to work for you guys,” he said. “You are the No. 1 sports network in history, and I’m excited for it. You’ve got some tremendous talents over there, and I’m looking forward to co-working with those guys.”

The move to ESPN will mean Inside the NBA will broadcast through the entirety of the playoffs, since ESPN/ABC will continue airing the NBA Finals under the new contracts.