Blake Griffin in Talks With Amazon, NBC for Charles Barkley–Esque Role

Blake Griffin has become a sought-after TV free agent among the NBA’s next group of TV partners, Front Office Sports has learned.

The six-time NBA All-Star, who retired this year, is in talks with Amazon Prime Video about becoming part of their NBA coverage during the 2025–2026 season, according to multiple sources. Griffin could be poised to become “the face” of Prime’s coverage, said one source. 

But the 35-year-old has other suitors. He could also end up with NBC Sports, which is returning to hoops coverage for the first time in 20 years. Don’t count out incumbent ESPN, which holds the league’s “A” game package and exclusive rights to the NBA Finals.

“A lot of people are very interested in him,” said one source. “Blake is making the rounds.”

Griffin could be positioning himself to lead Amazon Prime’s coverage much as Charles Barkley has on TNT Sports’ Inside the NBA. But it’s unclear exactly what kind of role he’s looking for. Given his stardom and comedic chops (he’s performed with the late Norm McDonald, John Mulaney, and Whitney Cummings, among others), he’d be a natural as either a game or studio analyst. 

Griffin announced his retirement this April after a 15-year career. The first overall pick by the Clippers in the 2009 draft was named Rookie of the Year for the 2010–2011 season. He also won the Slam Dunk Contest that year by memorably leaping over a parked car.

With his thunderous dunks and engaging personality, Griffin was always a darling of Madison Avenue, collecting endorsement deals with Nike, Kia, Subway, and AT&T. He currently boasts deals with Hyperice and Lemon Perfect. He’s an investor in the new SlamBall league.

Meanwhile, the New York Post reports play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle is in “serious talks” to join Prime’s NBA coverage. Over at NBC, Mike Tirico and Ian Eagle’s son, Noah Eagle, are expected to serve as the network’s lead play-by-play announcers, per the Post. The Athletic reported Prime will create original theme music for its 60-game package, with games streaming on Thursdays and Fridays.

ESPN just snared Shams Charania as its senior NBA insider to replace the retired Adrian Wojnarowski. For months, other free-agent NBA TV talents have been waiting for a hiring surge as Amazon and NBCUniversal join ESPN in the NBA’s game rotation. I’m hearing these new partners want to have some of their major hires locked up by the All-Star break, so get your popcorn ready.