ESPN is out on Wayne Gretzky, paving the way for The Great One potentially going to TNT as an analyst for its NHL studio coverage, The Post has learned.
Gretzky's role with TNT would be akin to Charles Barkley's on "Inside The NBA." If a deal is done, Gretzky, 60, is expected to command in the range of $5 million per year, according to sources. Turner has put the full-court press on for Gretzky by using Barkley, the Great One's former neighbor in Arizona, as its chief recruiter, according to sources.
Even though ESPN/ABC is trying to make many of its broadcasters' contracts more reasonable, it was willing to go to the $2 million range for Gretzky, according to sources. The bidding got too high, however, and ESPN has decided to bow out.
"Absolutely not true," Endeavor president Mark Shapiro, whose company represents Gretzky, told The Post. "That's cute, but nobody bows out on the Great One. If he goes to Turner, it's because they gave him a much better offer than ESPN."
ESPN and TNT will take over the rights to the NHL from NBC starting next year. TNT has already added Kenny Albert and Eddie Olzyck as its lead game announcers, though nothing is official. ESPN has yet to figure out its top game broadcast crew.
Earlier in the week, The Athletic's Sean Shapiro first mentioned both TNT and ESPN had interest in Gretzky. Now, it is down to one, and The Great One could be headed to TNT.
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