• Loading stock data...
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here
exclusive
Tuned In

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

  • Griffin announced his retirement this April after a 15-year career during which he played in six All-Star games.
  • Griffin could be positioning himself to lead Amazon Prime’s coverage much as Charles Barkley has on TNT Sports’ Inside the NBA.
Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 16, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrate after scoring during extra time against Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium

The NWSL Is Growing at Breakneck Pace. Can It Keep Surging?

While the league surges, it also must survive two major challenges.
NCAA

Schools Vote Against Rule Allowing College Athletes to Bet on Pro Sports

The NCAA initiated a review process for the rule approved in October.
Draymond Green

NBA Ratings Up 30% Through First Month Despite Star Injury Woes

The NBA added NBC and Amazon as new media partners this season.
WORCESTER - WWE star Zelina Vega makes her return alongside NXT stars Legado del Fantasma during "WWE Friday Night SmackDown" at the DCU Center, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.

The CW Says Nielsen WWE Ratings Drop ‘Lacks Credibility’

The CW says the new measurement process creates “inexplicable” findings.

Featured Today

Trinity Rodman

NWSL Regular-Season Ratings See Big Surge, Playoffs Up 5%

Regular-season viewership grew by over 20%, averaging more than 200,000.
Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump carry the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the presentation after the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
November 19, 2025

Trump-MBS White House Dinner Showcases Saudi Sports Influence 

Attendees included Ronaldo, Bryson DeChambeau, and the owner of the 76ers.
November 19, 2025

ABC, ESPN Bounce Back With Big CFB Ratings After YouTube TV Deal

Oklahoma-Alabama and Texas-Georgia drew more than 10 million viewers.
Jan 28, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, begins a hearing to examine the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security, focusing on fees and foreign influence on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
November 18, 2025

Congress Turns Up Heat on Sports Leagues Over Betting Integrity Issues

MLB, the NBA, and the NCAA are all in lawmakers’ crosshairs.
Oct 31, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) and pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) celebrate with the Commissioner's Trophy in the clubhouse after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre.

World Series G7 Audience Count Final: 51M Across U.S., Canada, Japan

The average global audience for Game 7 surpassed 51 million viewers.
October 31, 2025

Frozen Frenzy Ratings Climb 20% Despite Scheduling Complaints

The hockey event posts a 20% viewership bump, despite World Series competition.
November 2, 2025

ESPN, ABC Still Dark on YouTube TV As Cowboys ‘MNF’ Game Looms

ABC and ESPN’s college football slate was blacked out Saturday.
Sponsored

NFL QB Christian Ponder Is Preparing Athletes for Business

Former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder discusses the transition from field to boardroom.
October 31, 2025

YouTube TV Loses ESPN, ABC Just Before Big Sports Weekend

More than 20 channels go dark on the No. 4 U.S. pay-TV distributor.
Rich Paul
exclusive
October 31, 2025

Rich Paul, Max Kellerman in Talks for Show With The Ringer

“The Ringer” sold to Spotify in 2020.
Oct 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) throws his bat after hitting a two run home run as Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) looks on during the third inning of game four of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
October 30, 2025

World Series Game 5: Largest Blue Jays Audience Ever on Canadian TV

Canadian viewership continues to be a major storyline of the World Series.
Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) talks with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
October 30, 2025

CBS Bets Big on Chiefs-Bills Rivalry As AFC Landscape Changes

Big viewership likely awaits the revival of the NFL rivalry.