Charles Barkley criticizes TNT executives, proposes his production company to run ‘Inside The NBA’

Charles Barkley, the beloved NBA analyst and host of “Inside the NBA” on TNT, is feeling a mix of confusion, sadness, and anger as the network faces the possibility of losing its rights to broadcast NBA games. The NBA is reportedly finalizing new media rights deals with Disney/ESPN, NBC, and Amazon, leaving TNT without NBA games for the first time in over two decades.

In a recent appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Barkley expressed his frustration with the leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT’s parent company, for letting the NBA rights slip away. He criticized the decision to prioritize acquiring rights to College Football Playoff games over the NBA, leading to low morale among the TNT staff.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of “Inside the NBA,” Barkley hinted at the possibility of taking over the show through his production company if TNT loses its NBA rights. He also took a jab at his bosses, comparing them to low-quality wines while expressing his disappointment in the situation.

Barkley’s emotional response to the potential loss of the NBA rights highlights the deep connections he has formed with his colleagues over the years. The show, known for its candid analysis and humor, has become a staple in the sports media landscape, with Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal forming a tight-knit team.

As negotiations continue and the future of “Inside the NBA” hangs in the balance, Barkley remains hopeful that a solution can be found to keep the show on the air. However, his loyalty to his colleagues and his passion for the NBA make it clear that losing the rights would be a significant blow to the entire team.