Charles Barkley is not shy about voicing his views, and he continued to do so after the NBA rejected his attempt to compete against Amazon for the broadcast rights that TNT has held for more than 30 years.
“Obviously the NBA wanted to part ways with us from the beginning,” he said in a statement posted on social media by Bleacher Report.
Amazon signed an 11-year deal with the NBA and WNBA starting in 2026.
“I don’t know if TNT had a chance,” Barkley said. “They put up an even amount, but the league knows Amazon and these tech companies are the only ones willing to pay when the rights double in the future. The NBA didn’t want to upset them.”
Barkley, along with Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal, are regulars on “Inside the NBA,” considered one of the most produced programs in sports.
“It’s sad and disgusting that an owner and commissioner would put money above the fans,” Barkley said in a statement. “I want to thank everyone at Turner these past 24 years. They are a top-notch group of people, blessed with the best talent, and they deserve better. I also want to thank the NBA and its fans, the best in sports, and I look forward to giving it my all next season.”
TNT is still Taking the case through the courts, The Washington Post’s Ryan Glasspiegel speculates, could delay Amazon’s hiring attempts. Talent and production staff.
“We accepted Amazon’s offer consistent with our contractual rights and do not believe the NBA can refuse it,” a fumed TNT statement said.
Barkley recently announced that next season will be his final.
