Category: TNT

Charles Barkley on ESPN’s Stanley Cup Broadcast Led to a Quick Joke About His Job
11 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Charles Barkley on ESPN’s Stanley Cup Broadcast Led to a Quick Joke About His Job

Charles Barkley made a guest appearance on ESPN's NHL analyst desk during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, joining the likes of Mark Messier, P.K. Subban and Steve Levy in between the first and second periods of Monday night's game.

While on the air, Levy didn't hesitate to broach the conversation of Barkley's future in broadcasting with TNT set to lose its NBA media rights deal.

Levy hinted at the potential for Barkley to make the leap over to ESPN, jokingly referring to him as the "newest member of ESPN's NBA coverage" while introducing the 61-year-old.

"Welcome Mark Messier, P.K. Subban and the newest member of ESPN's NBA coverage? Maybe?" said Levy at the start of the segment.

Rather than immediately address his job, Barkley comically changed the topic and mentioned that Messier owes him $5,000 stemming from a delay of game penalty he took during his playing days.

After discussing Barkley's hockey fandom and his relationship with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, the crew circled back to the topic of Barkley's employment. The NBA Hall of Famer joked that he wished he had a job lined up and that he was back on LinkedIn.

With the NBA on TNT crew facing an uncertain future, the prospect of Barkley joining ESPN's NBA coverage isn't all too far fetched, and Levy wasted no time stirring the pot in that regard.

Charles Barkley, ESPN, Mark Messier, NHL, P.K. Subban, Stanley Cup Final, Steve Levy, TNT
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In Slight Defense of the NBA Finals Halftime Shows
10 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

In Slight Defense of the NBA Finals Halftime Shows

Halftime shows are like commercials. A necessary evil and a perfect opportunity to load up on more snack mix or perform a fluids check. Few people in the history of sitting on their couches have ever been deeply intrigued by a Coming Up At the Half tease. And the hardworking broadcasting crews that try to capture eyeballs and attention are fighting an uphill battle.

That's the bad news. The good is that all of this combines to create a low-stakes environment because, let's face it, average viewers don't really care if the halftime show is good or average or a trainwreck. As long as the second half begins on time then everyone wins and no one loses.

So it's kind of perplexing to see the aggregating of grievances concerning ESPN/ABC's mid-game fare during the NBA Finals. Awful Announcing got out the stopwatch and crunched some numbers following Game 1's halftime show.

All told, the studio crew got roughly a minute and 20 seconds of air time. And remember, that time was split between five people. Much of that time was spent on intros from and outros to commercial breaks.

Is this ideal? Certainly not. But is it a new phenomenon? Also no.

ESPN/ABC has been dinged for stuffing shot-clock-length opinions and observations between a crushing amount of bells and whistles for years. Those critiquing the operation are right when they say there's no flow and it can all be a bit disorienting. But they are also a bit silly for tuning into the Finals games and expecting anything different than what has been standard operating procedure for some time now.

It feels weird to defend something that could certainly be better yet at the same time complaining that viewers aren't getting enough opinions or analysis during what is essentially a content oasis feels a bit weird. Those are available on the network before the game and after the game, plus on-demand and on social media for anyone who may have missed the thousands of words and hundreds of segments devoted to Celtics-Mavs under the ESPN umbrella.

There simply cannot be a real world faction significant enough to warrant concern-trolling that Bob Myers and Josh Hart weren't given enough time to explore the space. Or that the real world is pining for another minute of Stephen A. Smith to fire off whatever he's going to fire off.

For as often this crew is compared to TNT's iconic foursome on Inside the NBA, which does move at a more beneficial pace, there's little apples-to-oranges consideration. First, broadcasting a champioship is going to afford the opportunity — and necessity really — to be more sponsor- and commercial-heavy. Then there's the problem of people conflating TNT's long postgame coverage with its halftime hits. Sure Barkley or O'Neal might say something hilarious and go viral during the mid-game break but more often than not the focus will be on Team X not turning the ball over or how Team Y looks sleepy out there.

Sunday night's Game 2 brought more of the same because, honestly, who would think it would change in the span of a few days. Unofficial numbers suggest the commercialization outpaced the analysis at around a 6-1 clip. But we're not going to go back and chart it ourselves because almost anything is a better use of time.

Something to keep in mind for Game 3 instead of hoping for a miracle that simply isn't going to come.

Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, ESPN, NBA, NBA Draft, TNT
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TNT Agrees to Massive New Deal to Broadcast French Open, per Report
7 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

TNT Agrees to Massive New Deal to Broadcast French Open, per Report

The French Open will have a new television partner beginning in 2025.

The Athletic's Andrew Marchand reported Friday that Warner Bros. Discovery—the home of TNT Sports— have agreed to a 10-year deal worth $650 million to televise the French Open in the United States. The deal starts in 2025 and runs through '34.

NBC has broadcast the French Open in the United States every year since 1975, aside from 1980 to '82 when CBS aired the event.

TNT Sports is best known for its NBA coverage, although the future of that partnership is in jeopardy as the league searches for a new television rights contract after the 2024-25 season. Multiple reports in recent months indicate the NBA is preparing to leave TNT behind as ESPN, NBC and Amazon will become its new broadcast partners.

Tennis isn't the only sport Warner Bros. Discovery has splurged on outside of basketball in recent weeks. Last month, ESPN agreed to sublicense coverage of select College Football Playoff games to TNT for the next five years.

While the future of TNT's beloved Inside the NBA show featuring Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal hangs in the balance, the network is set to head to the clay courts next spring.

French Open, NBA, TNT
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Charles Barkley on TNT Possibly Losing the NBA
7 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Charles Barkley on TNT Possibly Losing the NBA

Episode 497 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with Charles Barkley. The "Inside the NBA" host discusses the possibility of TNT losing the NBA in the current television rights negotiations, his frustration with the lack of communication from Warner Brothers Discovery about the negotiations, whether the show could continue on another network, reaction from fans to the possible end of "Inside the NBA," the awkwardness of still having to work next season for TNT if they lose the NBA beginning in the 2025-26 season, the lack of loyalty from the NBA and what would make him decide between ESPN, NBC and Amazon if he became a free agent.

Barkley also goes off on CNN for never telling him that his show with Gayle King, "King Charles" was canceled, he explains what could make him be the subject of a comedy roast, who the two nicest GOATS are in sports, the Lakers saying that LeBron James doesn't have a say in their coaching search, reaction to his recent Caitlin Clark rant. Following Barkley, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins Jimmy for the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week's topics include the passing of Bill Walton, Angel Hernandez's retirement from Major League Baseball, the mystery behind the Dov Kleiman Twitter account and the latest story about a restaurant charging for a ridiculous service.

You can also listen to the SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast on Apple and Spotify.

Charles Barkley, SI Media Podcast, TNT
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TNT's Kevin Harlan on News and Notes
7 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

TNT’s Kevin Harlan on News and Notes

Episode 496 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with TNT lead NBA play-by-play man, Kevin Harlan. Harlan talks about calling the Mavericks-Timberwolves Western Conference Finals, the transition from being in a two-man booth to a three-man booth for the postseason and why a three-man booth is more difficult for the NBA than college basketball.

Harlan also shares his thoughts on the possibility of Turner Sports losing the NBA and what that means for his future. Other topics covered with Harlan include his viral playoff moment with Denver's Jamal Murray, how he evaluates his radio call of Mecole Hardman's Super Bowl winning touchdown against the Niners, whether any executives have ever tried to change his style, the notes his gets about his NFL broadcasts from CBS and much more. Following Harlan, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins Jimmy for the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week's topics include Jimmy's betting disaster regarding Caitlin Clark, Peacock's new series on the 1990 New York Yankees, the scam that is the secondary-ticket market, the use of the word legend" and another ridiculous restaurant experience for Jimmy.

You can also listen to the SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast on Apple and Spotify.

Kevin Harlan, SI Media Podcast, TNT
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Kevin Harlan Impressed Reggie Miller With Perfect Call of Chaotic Sequence in Game 5
31 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Kevin Harlan Impressed Reggie Miller With Perfect Call of Chaotic Sequence in Game 5

Things got a bit sloppy during the first quarter of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves, as both teams turned the ball over on consecutive possessions leading to an utterly chaotic scene.

Fortunately for those viewing back at home, TNT's Kevin Harlan didn't miss a beat with his call, providing outstanding commentary of the moment in order to help fans better keep track of who had the ball amid the flurry of possession exchanges.

Even Reggie Miller had to take a moment to express his appreciation for Harlan's masterful call.

"How did you get that all in there?" he asked while laughing.

A Kyle Anderson turnover led to a mad scramble for possession, with the ball being tipped up in the air and batted toward Josh Green, who then sent a high bounce pass over to Daniel Gafford, who was fouled on at attempt at a layup.

Harlan was locked in, and he didn't miss a beat as he navigated the hectic play with precision, showcasing why he's heralded as one of the best in the business.

Dallas Mavericks, Kevin Harlan, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, Reggie Miller, TNT
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Amazon Prime Expected to Be Major Player in NBA’s Broadcast Future
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Amazon Prime Expected to Be Major Player in NBA’s Broadcast Future

1. Although Amazon is expected to land the NBA’s “C” package in the upcoming television rights deals that will begin with the 2025-26 season, that designation is in title only because Prime’s haul of games will be significant.

According to a new report from Puck’s John Ourand (last week’s SI Media Podcast guest), Amazon Prime is likely to land a Saturday night window for the regular season. More importantly, though, the streaming service is also expected to gain the rights to first- and second-round playoff games as well as one conference finals series every other year.

It’s expected that Amazon will split the conference finals with either NBC or Warner Brothers Discovery (TNT), while ESPN/ABC will get a conference finals every year in its new deal with the NBA.

Ourand’s report also stated that a decision hasn’t been made yet about whether NBC or WBD will get the NBA’s “B” package.

One thing that seems to be very odd, though, is, according to Ourand, Amazon is expected to pay  $1.8 billion per year for the next 11 years ($19.8 billion total).

Meanwhile, NBC has reportedly offered the NBA $2.5 billion per year for the package that doesn’t include an NBA Finals and only has a conference finals every other year. That’s how much NBC wants to stick games on Peacock.

So just to sum up: If NBC got the “B” package and you’re a big-time NBA fan, you will need to pay for some sort of cable package so you get ESPN, you’ll have to pay for Peacock, you’ll have to pay for Amazon Prime and you’ll have to pay for your local games on whatever RSN they will air on.

With all sports splitting their rights deals into multiple parts, that means two things: The leagues make more money and the fans have to spend more money to watch games.

And it’s only going to get worse.

2. This was one of the worst calls I’ve ever seen in the NBA.

To make that call in that spot is mind-boggling. Part of being a sports fan is that you complain about the refs. It’s basically a requirement.

But when NBA players and fans are constantly referencing the total joke that is the NBA’s “Last 2-Minute Report,” you have a problem on your hands.

3. In yesterday’s Traina Thoughts, I ranked Nikki Glaser as the No. 1 roaster at the The Roast of Tom Brady. Glaser appeared on The Howard Stern Show Monday and revealed some of the NSFW jokes that she had, but didn’t use on the Netflix special.

4. What a performance from Green Light’s Chris Long. With rap battles being all the rage these days, Long wanted to go in the opposite direction, and instead put together a tune for his good friend, The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo. Even though Long wanted to do “positive rhymes,” he threw in a verse about Russillo’s 2017 arrest for trespassing.

Timeline hit like Kermit Washington
He’s rude
He passed out, sloppy drunk
There was no forced entry
Cops were stunned
Game plan Tony Bennett
Not to run
Feet set, he took the charge
It was no fun

5. Keith Hernandez played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1974 to part of the 1983 season. He’s in the Cardinals Hall of Fame. And he guest starred on the greatest sitcom of all time.

Yet, on Monday, he couldn’t get into St. Louis’s Busch Stadium.

6. The latest episode of SI Media With Jimmy Traina features an interview with Puck senior correspondent John Ourand about all the latest sports media news. Ourand breaks down the latest reports regarding the NBA’s upcoming television deals and where things stand between the league and ESPN, TNT, NBC and Amazon. Ourand also shares thoughts on how the new TV deals would impact the future of the Inside the NBA crew of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal.

Ourand discusses the changes at CBS’s NFL Today with Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms out and Matt Ryan in, whether the NFL draft would ever move to a Wednesday-Thursday-Friday schedule instead of Thursday-Friday-Saturday, the status of the Marchand & Ourand Podcast and more.

Following Ourand, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins me for the weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week’s topics include an NFL draft shocker, a blow to an MLB superstar, Dave & Buster's allowing gambling, Jerry Seinfeld turning 70 and much more.

7. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: Absolutely disgraceful job by me not acknowledging the anniversary of the "Pine Barrens" episode in yesterday’s Traina Thoughts. Every single year, on May 6, that episode of The Sopranos needs to be celebrated. So we’re doing it today because better late than never.

Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify or Google. You can also follow Jimmy on Twitter,Instagram and TikTok. 

Amazon Prime, ESPN, NBA, sports media, TNT
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Don’t Count Out TNT in Battle With NBC to Keep NBA Package
2 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Don’t Count Out TNT in Battle With NBC to Keep NBA Package

1. News broke earlier this week that NBC has offered the NBA $2.5 billion to steal TNT’s (aka, Warner Brothers Discovery) package of games when the current television deals expire after next season.

The “A” package of games are expected to remain on ABC/ESPN, according to Puck senior correspondent, John Ourand, while Amazon is expected to get a “C” package in the new television deals.

Appearing on a brand-new episode of the SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast, Ourand said despite the monster offer, it’s far from a lock that NBC would get the “B” package from TNT.

“I am very positive about Warner Brothers Discovery’s chances to keep the NBA,” said Ourand.

“I know they prioritize the NBA. I know their NBA contracts are a big part of why TNT and TBS command so much money from cable and satellite operators. I know the idea that they’ve had the NBA since the 1980s, that’s part of the DNA of the company. So even though the executives haven’t been around for that long, it’s just who that company is. I believe WBD will pull out all the stops in order to keep the NBA.”

Ourand, who cautioned that the negotiations are “fluid" and things can change at any time, also said it is a “big plus” that WBD has matching rights for the NBC offer.

Ourand said he expects the NBA to announce the new television deals within a couple of weeks.

In addition to a full breakdown of where everything stands with the NBA’s negotiations for new television deals, Ourand also shares thoughts on how the new TV deals would impact the future of the Inside the NBA crew of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal.

Ourand also discusses the changes at CBS’s NFL Today with Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms out and Matt Ryan in, whether the NFL draft would ever move to a Wednesday-Thursday-Friday schedule instead of Thursday-Friday-Saturday, the status of the Marchand & Ourand Podcast and more.

Following Ourand, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins me for our weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week’s topics include an NFL draft shocker, a blow to an MLB superstar, Dave & Busters allowing gambling, Jerry Seinfeld turning 70 and much more.

2. Earlier this week, I said that Charles Barkley has been on an unbelievable roll (even for him) this postseason. That continued Wednesday when he went after people on hot take shows, or as he called them, “punks, idiots and jackasses,” who like to pretend the Lakers and Warriors are good teams.

3. How pathetic is this? Philadelphia’s ownership group had to purchase tickets to tonight’s Knicks-Sixers game in order to prevent New York fans from infiltrating the Wells Fargo Center like they did last Sunday for Game 3. So not only does the team have to resort to sad tactics because Sixers fans won’t support their team, but the game still had tickets available! Double whammy.

4. While not as exciting as the sound picked up by Aaron Boone after getting tossed by an umpire a couple of weeks ago, we had another solid audio moment from a baseball game Wednesday night.

After Pete Alonso was thrown out at home plate to end the Cubs-Mets game, resulting in a 1–0 Chicago win, New York challenged the play. There were two things in question: whether Alonso was out and if Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya illegally blocked the plate.

Replay ruled Alonso was indeed out, but umpire Chad Fairchild botched the call with some word salad.

“After review, two calls on the field, blocking is confirmed. There is no blocking. After review, the call of out on the field stands. Runners out.”

When Fairchild said, “blocking is confirmed” the Mets fans cheered, only to then be given the gut punch of Fairchild saying Alonso was out.

This brought out New York skipper Carlos Mendonza, who went at it with Fairchild.

“I’m not in replay,” said Fairchild. “I’m telling you what they told me.”

“But the rule says you cannot stand on homeplate without the baseball,” pleaded Mendoza.

“I’m not arguing with you, Carlos. But I’m saying …”

“That’s bulls---,” declared Mendoza.

“Take that up with the office,” said Fairchild.

5. Regarding that Cubs win over the Mets, Shōta Imanaga picked up the win after tossing seven shutout innings to improve to 5–0. It was the Japanese star's first time playing in New York and he shared his impression of the Big Apple after the game.

6. Peacock will air a three-part docuseries on the 1990 Yankees, Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball, premiering on May 16. Even if you hate the Yankees, as I know many of you do, you can’t deny that this looks extremely entertaining.

7. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: Happy 52nd birthday to the People's Champion, The Great One, The Brahama Bull, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify or Google. You can also follow Jimmy on Twitter,Instagram and TikTok. 

NBA, NBC, sports media, TNT
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