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Before this year's offseason, reports of TNT heading into its final NBA season became apparent. Warner Bros. Discovery announced on Tuesday that it was successful in matching Amazon's offer. However, the league revealed on Wednesday that this was not the case as several fans reacted strongly to the decision of a long-term arrangement with Amazon instead.
The original rights started in 1989, with Warner Bros. Discovery including a streaming option of the games through its platform HBO Max in 2023-24. The broadcast became famous with the iconic "Inside the NBA" crew featuring Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith.
Following the post, several fans shared their reactions on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Adam Silver is a criminal that needs to be imprisoned."
X user Bilal Sattar (@bilalsattar) shared a nostalgic sentiment about the imminent final season with the TNT crew.
"RIP Inside The NBA. The Best show of all time," the fan posted.
X user Tristin Chambers * Taze (@TaZeTheGod) criticized David Zaslav's leadership.
"Warner Bros, 'We don't have to have the NBA,' then says it will match terms of a deal. NBA shows that they didn't and go with WB's competition. This is a failure of Zaslav's leadership," the fan posted.
X user Chris plays DBD (@whittemagic) was not fond of the latest development.
"This is what heartbreak feels like," the fan posted.
X user Brian (@BkcSports) argued that it was all about matching Amazon's offer in the end for the league.
"As much as I can't stand Adam Silver, I can't blame him much on this one. Amazon came to the NBA with a stronger deal and WBD didn't. Zaslav is to be blamed. Enjoy your downfall especially on Turner sports by screwing over your workers. Good on Barkley to tell TNT he's out."
Heading into the 2024-25 regular season, fans will have the following platforms to choose from for their viewing: Disney, NBC and Amazon Prime Video.
Magic Johnson praised Charles Barkley for "Inside the NBA" tribute
Bleacher Report posted a tribute for "Inside the NBA" last Monday featuring celebrities and athletes sharing their memorable experiences with the broadcast crew.
Among them was LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who credited Charles Barkley for how he carried himself on live television:
"That's why it's the best on TV. ... We can poke fun at each other," Johnson said, "we can clown each other, we can have a good time with the banter back and forth. But at the end of the day, it's all for the fans; it's all for the audience. The best on TV is Charles Barkley, bar none. There's nobody on TV in sports better than Charles Barkley."
Barkley certainly had several moments where he made fans laugh and even ponder basketball-related topics. He did not shy away from expressing his opinions, whether it resulted in disagreements or approval.
The Phoenix Suns legend also announced after Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks that the upcoming regular season would be his last.
