• Loading stock data...
Saturday, January 18, 2025
exclusive
Tuned In

Carmelo Anthony in Play for NBC, Amazon NBA Analyst Jobs

The former Knicks sharpshooter and 10-time All-Star is “talking to everybody” about possible studio and game analyst jobs, a source tells Front Office Sports.

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The NBA’s $77 billion decision to divide up its U.S. media rights among Disney’s ABC/ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and Comcast’s NBC Sports has sparked a gold rush for talent. Now, another former NBA superstar is eying a possible media career in 2025: Carmelo Anthony.

The former Knicks sharpshooter is “talking to everybody” about possible studio and game analyst jobs, sources tell Front Office Sports.

Anthony would join the growing list of former NBA stars in play for Prime’s and NBC’s new hoops coverage, including Blake GriffinDirk NowitzkiDwyane Wade, and Jamal Crawford. A media source indicated Anthony could also join ESPN’s existing NBA team.

Meanwhile, rising star Taylor Rooks is expected to host Prime’s NBA studio coverage.

The 40-year-old Anthony retired from the NBA after 19 seasons in 2023. The 10-time All-Star and former national champion at Syracuse has launched a number of businesses, including a content factory dubbed Creative 7 Productions and a venture capital firm called Melo7 Tech Partners.

The NBA’s 11-year media deal begins in the 2025–2026 season. For NBC, it will mark a return to the glory days of the 1990s, when the network aired all six of Michael Jordan’s championships with the Bulls. 

Prime, meanwhile, will add the NBA package to its current Thursday Night Football deal with the NFL. The streaming giant, with more than 200 million subscribers, also boasts a rights deal with the NBA in Brazil.

Charles Barkley’s status is the looming specter over these negotiations. Despite the announced agreement for TNT Sports to license his Emmy Award–winning Inside the NBA to ESPN next year in exchange for a package of Big 12 college football and basketball games, Sir Charles raised eyebrows by saying he’s still talking to Prime and NBC.

“I haven’t decided yet,” Barkley told Dan Patrick this week. “I’m listening to NBC, Amazon. I want to know everything that’s on the table for me before I sign in. I love those guys at ESPN and if we end up there, I’m going to do the best I possibly can. First of all, they haven’t even given us any type of schedule, whatsoever. But I’d be doing myself a disservice not to meet with NBC, which I have. And meet with Amazon, which I have. And the number-one thing I’ve told everybody: ‘Can y’all give me a damn schedule?’”

When Patrick noted ESPN likes to get the maximum out of their on-air talent, Barkley said no way. 

“They’re not gonna work Charles like no damn dog. Seriously, I got nothing but love and respect for ESPN. But I’m taking my time with NBA and Amazon. I want it in writing. How much do y’all think I’m going to work? … I want to know what they’re expecting. Are we going to have the same schedule? Or are we going to have to do ABC, ESPN, and TNT? … I’m not going to be doing ABC, ESPN, and TNT. That’s not going to happen.”

ESPN, Prime, NBC, and TNT declined to comment. Anthony could not be reached.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dick Vitale’s ESPN Return Delayed by New Health Scare

Vitale said he suffered an accident in his home unrelated to cancer.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard and running back Jeremiah Love celebrate a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Notre Dame Found a Title-Worthy NIL Formula. Now It Has to Pivot

Its title run was buoyed by a collective that no longer exists.
Jan 17, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Dearica Hamby (5) of the Vinyl reaches for the ball as Azura Stevens (23) of the Rose follows on the play during the second half of the Unrivaled women’s professional 3v3 basketball league at Wayfair Arena.

Inside Unrivaled’s Explosive Opening Night

The 3-on-3 league went big for its season opener in Miami.
Miami, Florida, USA; Japan starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (14) delivers a pitch during the first inning against Mexico at LoanDepot Park

Dodgers Land Japanese Phenom Roki Sasaki for Bargain-Basement Price

The 23-year-old phenom signed with Los Angeles at a relative steal.

Featured Today

Baseball for All founder Justine Siegal walks in front of the over 400 young players participating in her league during the opening ceremony for an organization focused on giving girls an opportunity to play baseball, at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Baseball For All 15 Mar 30, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins general manager Kim Ng walks on the field prior to the game against the New York Mets at loanDepot Park.

Can a Professional Women’s Baseball League Launch in Softball’s Shadow?

The biggest hurdle to the WPBL’s success may be its closest kindred.
Showboats’ Daewood Davis (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the UFL game between the San Antonio Brahmas and Memphis Showboats in Simmons Liberty Bank Stadium in Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
January 15, 2025

The UFL Is Primed for Success—If It Can Resist Its Impulse for..

The spring football league must buck temptation if it wants to succeed.
Race leader and eventual stage winner Primož ROGLIČ (SVN/RedBull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in the final kilometer up the finish climb of stage 19 from Logroño to Alto De Moncalvillo (ESP/168km) of the 79th La Vuelta Ciclista a España 2024 on 6 September. // Kristof Ramon / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202409060905 // Usage for editorial use only //Primož ROGLIČ (SVN/RedBull-Bora-Hansgrohe) congratulated by teammate Florian LIPOWITZ (DEU/RedBull - BORA - hansgrohe) after a very strong stage 13 from Lugo to Puerto De Ancares (ESP/171km) of the 79th La Vuelta Ciclista a España 2024 on 30 August
January 13, 2025

Red Bull Is on a Hot Streak in Sports. Can It Win..

The company is betting on a big future in cycling.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) knocks the ball out of the hands of Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) and returns the fumble for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl Classic during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on January, 10, 2025.
January 11, 2025

College Football Is Closer Than Ever to Perfecting the Championship Process

Despite valid criticisms, the first expanded Playoff is working.

Pat McAfee Was Unsure About ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ Return. It Broke Records

“GameDay” averaged 2.2 million viewers, the most in the show’s 38-year history.
exclusive
January 14, 2025

Clinton Yates Takes Over Mike Greenberg’s ESPN Radio Time Slot

Yates will take over Mike Greenberg’s 10 a.m to noon ET slot.
exclusive
January 15, 2025

Draymond Green Exploring NBA Media Options As Warriors Struggle

Sources say Green has talked to at least one of the league’s media partners.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
January 10, 2025

From Punch Line to Prime Time: Lions Have Captured America’s Attention

The NFC’s No. 1 seed has also become a huge TV draw.
January 7, 2025

Marcellus Wiley Considering His Own Lawsuit After Fox Allegations

Wiley left Fox in 2022 after hosting Speak for Yourself for four years.
exclusive
January 7, 2025

Taylor Rooks on Amazon NBA Plan: ‘We Really Believe in Going Big’

Rooks predicts Prime’s NBA coverage will attract a younger audience.
January 6, 2025

What’s Next for Fox Sports, Skip Bayless, Other Parties Implicated in Lawsuit?

A lawyer for the plaintiff told FOS “our client looks forward to being vindicated.”