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Charles Barkley Sends Warning to ESPN Ahead of 'Inside the NBA' Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 3:56 PM ET

The NBA on TNT officially disbanded after Saturday's final broadcast of the Eastern Conference Finals' Game 6 between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks, giving its flagship 'Inside the NBA' show a chance at a rebirth on ESPN next season.

The show is expected to reprise its place on NBA telecasts with the dynamic quartet of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal leading the way.

The move was met with some resistance at the emotional level by Johnson, who called it "sad" during his final sign-off on Saturday night.

Recently, Barkley joined 'The Dan Patrick Show' to share his innermost thoughts, including a warning to ESPN ahead of the move.

Barkley told Patrick Monday that he only plans to work two seasons out of the seven left on his 10-year, $210 million deal.

"If they start trying to work me too much between ESPN and TNT, I'm just going to walk on home," Barkley told Patrick, noting that his deal is technically still from TNT.

Barkley added that he is looking forward to working for ESPN.

"ESPN is the most famous sports brand ever," he said on the show.

"It's going to be awesome working for them," he added.

Barkley joined the show in 2000 and has become its most famous and quotable member. A former NBA MVP, he played with the league's Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets.

Johnson joined Inside the NBA in 1990 and often refers to Barkley as 'The Chuckster.'

The show is expected to continue its postgame format along with potential new ventures.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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