Charles Barkley calls TNT leaders 'clowns,' suggests his production company could take over

Charles Barkley calls TNT leaders 'clowns,' suggests his production company could take over 'Inside The NBA'

Charles Barkley has voiced his anger and disappointment regarding the imminent loss of TNT's NBA broadcasting rights, an issue that has caused significant concern among the network's employees. During an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show," Barkley did not hold back in criticizing the leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), labeling them as "clowns" for their handling of the situation. His comments come amid reports that the NBA is close to finalizing new media rights deals with Disney/ESPN, NBC, and Amazon, potentially leaving TNT without NBA games for the first time in over two decades.

Barkley's frustration is rooted in WBD's decision to acquire rights to the College Football Playoff games rather than securing the NBA rights, a move he believes has demoralized the staff. "Morale sucks, plain and simple," he stated, emphasizing his sympathy for his colleagues who might be facing job insecurity. Barkley, along with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal, has been a central figure on "Inside the NBA," a show renowned for its blunt analysis and humor, making it one of the most popular studio shows in sports.

Barkley revealed that his contract allows him to become a free agent if TNT loses the NBA rights, and he suggested that he might take the entire "Inside the NBA" team with him under his production company. "I’ve talked to the guys about everybody signing with my production company," he said, expressing enthusiasm for the idea of continuing the show independently. However, he acknowledged the complexity of such a move, especially given that Ernie Johnson has reportedly decided to stay at TNT even if the network loses the NBA rights.

Barkley's discontent also stems from a comment made by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav in 2022, where he remarked, "We don't have to have the NBA." Barkley speculated that this statement may have angered NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, possibly influencing the current negotiations.

Throughout the interview, Barkley conveyed a deep sense of loyalty and concern for his colleagues, many of whom have been with "Inside the NBA" for decades. "I am [angry]. You know, Dan, it’s so interesting, I’ve been spending a lot of time with the crew lately," he said, recounting the long-term relationships he has formed with the team members and their families. This personal connection has made the potential loss of the NBA rights and its impact on the staff particularly hard for him to accept.

The future of "Inside the NBA" remains uncertain, but Barkley's commitment to his colleagues and the show is clear. As the NBA finalizes its new media deals, the fate of one of sports television's most beloved programs hangs in the balance, with Barkley ready to fight for its continuation, whether within TNT or beyond.

[flagcoco]

I so hope they all stick together. It could end up like when Pat Summerall and John Madden went to Fox when CBS lost their package to broadcast NFL games, more specifically the NFC, and they didn't miss a beat. I don't know if ESPN or anyone else is ballsy enough to let them continue to do what they do, the way they do it. All good things come to an end, and if this is where Inside the NBA dies, it was a terrific run, and they were one of the few bright spots in the NBA universe worth watching on a semi-nightly basis.

[eleung]

Don’t know how TNT lost NBA rights after 2 decades of broadcasting .. but it happens to any business .. BUT Barkley was lucky enough to stayed on TNT for the longest time .. simply because he was a big name player … he was never well spoken to begin with .. adding like a clown himself most of the time .. as he wasn’t very good on any of the NBA contents he was conveying … absolutely trash for the most part .. but lasting for 2 decades with millions earned .. he’s a lucky man