When you have a voice, you expect the best in the world to listen to you. But has ESPN given the green light to Chuck’s demands? The TNT crew is preparing to bid farewell to a legendary run with Turner Sports. From unforgettable banter between Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, the network losing NBA broadcast rights to Sir Charles hinting at retirement, even passing the torch to Vince Carter, fans finally had the relief that the iconic aren’t breaking any time in the near future. The fans were finally given a glimmer of hope as the iconic crew gears up to move to ESPN under TNT’s new deal. Close on the heels of the drama, another trouble now looms over the fans.

This potential transition has stirred emotions among fans who’ve cherished the chemistry of Kenny “The Jet” Smith, Shaq, Barkley, and Ernie Johnson. For over two decades, the quartet has not only covered basketball but also tackled wider cultural and social topics as they went on to earn themselves a special place in sports media and fans’ hearts. The crew was recently given ceremonial rings in honor of their time with the company. Shaq and Barkley’s hilarious antics aren’t forgotten. The Steam Room podcast, hosted by Johnson and Barkley under Turner Sports, is one such!

This show has offered another outlet for their dynamic partnership. Now in its sixth season, the podcast has built a loyal listener base, offering a mix of insights from everything, along with engaging guest appearances. However, the future of the podcast is uncertain! While both hosts are optimistic about returning for another season, Johnson recently admitted that nothing has been confirmed yet.

“It is the end of season six. Wow of the steam room. The final episode of The Steam Room for season 6, Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley. There’s a certain finality to saying it’s the last one of season 6, obviously, and we hope that there’s a season 7. We just don’t know yet,” Johnson said on The Steam Room podcast. The uncertainty might have stemmed from the recent broadcasting shake-up. The NBA signed an 11-year, $76 billion deal with NBC, ESPN, and Amazon. And TNT was left out of the contract. 

As for Inside the NBA, TNT negotiated with ESPN to license the show in exchange for broadcasting rights to Big 12 college football and basketball games. This means the beloved crew may stay together, but under a different network. Speaking of The Steam Room, it should likely continue for another season, as this show doesn’t talk about only the NBA or specific coverage. So, as long as Chuck agrees, we might get the show extended for another episode.  

Still, one concern remains with Sir Charles, as he seems to have an issue with the new deal. What exactly is bothering him?

Charles Barkley threatens ESPN to fire him 

Chuck has already made it clear that he won’t leave Turner Sports to join any other company and has expressed his hope that TNT’s deal with ESPN goes smoothly. His only demand from the latter is a more flexible schedule. At 62 years old, he has clarified that he won’t work long hours for the company. When the TNT team suggested that the crew do one more show, he insisted that the company must first provide him with a finalized schedule.

During his appearance on the latest episode of Outkick’s ‘Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,’ he even challenged ESPN to fire him, saying he would still do what he wants, regardless. “I’m not going to change my personality. Ain’t nobody — they can’t fire me. I make too much money to get fired. I’m not worried about getting fired. And nobody at ESPN is going to tell me what to say or do. Period,” he said. 

After a successful NBA playing with some of the elite teams, such as the Philadelphia 76ers, and a broadcasting career, Chuck has already earned millions, and no longer cares much about the money. He’s had opportunities to sign deals worth up to $100 million. He reportedly received enticing offers from NBC and more. Moreover, if ESPN were to fire him, they would still have to honor his contract. As he has often said, he doesn’t plan on working for many more years.

Addressing past concerns, Chuck once again went on a rant, stating that he won’t talk about the Lakers if they’re not playing well. For those who don’t know, Chuck has openly expressed his distaste for ESPN’s extreme coverage of the Lakers, as he claimed. 

Whether the Lakers meet expectations or not is one thing. What remains to be seen is whether Chuck and the ESPN crew can find common ground.