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Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley is one of the many people caught in the crossfire of the NBA's new media rights deal. Following the latest developments regarding the league and one of its key networks, the former MVP couldn't be silent any longer.
On Friday morning, Barkley released a statement regarding the league and its dealings with TNT. He feels the network never had a chance and that the NBA was always going to look to the future with streaming:
"Clearly the NBA has wanted to break up with us from the beginning. I'm not sure TNT ever had a chance. TNT matched the money, but the league knows Amazon and these tech companies are the only ones willing to pay for the rights when they double in the future. The NBA didn't want to piss them off.
"It's a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans. It just sucks."
Charles Barkley wrapped up his statement by thanking the fans and the people who have stuck with him over his two-decade-plus long run with TNT.
Charles Barkley could receive sizable offers from multiple networks following NBA's new media deal
With the NBA going in a different direction in regards to its media rights, next season could mark the end of an era. TNT has been broadcasting the league for decades and established one of its top shows.
When it comes to NBA programming, "Inside the NBA" is in a tier of its own. Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith are beloved by fans for their work covering national TV games.
With TNT now on the outs, Barkley and the rest of the Inside the NBA crew could be looking for new work. According to recent reports, ESPN and Amazon have a strong interest in acquiring the group.
"The Chuckster could command $20 million–plus offers from the NBA’s new trio of rights partners: newcomer Prime; incumbent ABC/ESPN; and former broadcast partner NBC, which held the rights during the Michael Jordan golden era from 1990 to 2002. ESPN is already eying Barkley and the entire cast of Inside the NBA, say my sources. Ditto for Prime."
This is one wrinkle in all of this. Charles Barkley said earlier this year that he plans on retiring after next season. If that is still the case, wherever the group goes next will have to find a replacement for the Phoenix Suns legend.
Based on his statement, it's clear Barkley is displeased with how things unfolded between the NBA and TNT. That said, this change could end up opening new doors for him and his co-hosts moving forward.
