Charles Barkley unloads on TNT brass as network on verge of losing NBA rights

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Charles Barkley is not being shy about how he feels about TNT being on the verge of losing its rights to the NBA. 

Barkley, one of the Hall of Fame talent on "Inside the NBA," made an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show" Thursday, when he referred to Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) heads as "clowns" while ripping the current situation. 

It was reported earlier this week that the NBA was on the verge of finalizing a new media rights deal with Disney/ESPN, NBC and Amazon, leaving TNT in the dust despite being a part of the NBA for over two decades. 

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Charles Barkley looks on before the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers as part of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament on Dec. 7, 2023 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. (Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images)

Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly can match NBC’s package, but it doesn’t appear they wish to. They acquired rights to the College Football Playoff, which is expanding next year, instead. 

"Morale sucks, plain and simple," Barkley said bluntly to Patrick. "I just feel so bad for the people I work with, Dan. These people have families and I just really feel bad for them right now. These people I work with, they screwed this thing up, clearly, and we don’t have zero idea what’s gonna happen. I don’t feel good. I’m not gonna lie, especially when they came out yesterday and said we bought college football. I was like, ‘Well, damn, they could’ve used that money to buy the NBA.’"

Barkley, alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith, have been loved by NBA fans on "Inside the NBA," as they have provided great