The NBA made its decision weeks ago regarding its new media rights deal. Despite Warner Bros. Discovery matching Amazon’s offer, the league preferred the partnership with their latest partners. The news brought upset and dread to many avid fans of Inside the NBA. Even Charles Barkley expressed his sorrow. “I’m not sure TNT ever had a chance” he wrote on his Instagram.

But the network isn’t giving up just yet. With their matching rights being denied, WBD lodged a lawsuit against Adam Silver for the breach of contract. The fight for their place provides a slight ray of hope for the passionate viewers of the show. However, Barkley has already accepted defeat claiming “brilliant” Silver being a former lawyer must have thought about the complications before siding with Amazon.

“We filed a lawsuit but what I think. Number one I am talking out of my a** let me make that clear. And Adam Silver is brilliant. I don’t think he would put himself in that situation, to be honest with you. I think what’s happening, like I said I am just talking out of my a**. I think the NBA said you can match but they meant ESPN or NBC. You don’t get to match the Amazon offer.

“I am sure Adam Silver who is brilliant said like yeah, y’all had the right to match but it had to match NBC or ESPN because when we said y’all can match, Amazon didn’t exist. So I don’t think Adam would leave himself open to lose a lawsuit. He was a lawyer and I think he is too smart. So your question is correct. We have filed a lawsuit. But I think the NBA is like it’s too late. We don’t care,” Barkley explained on Podcast P.

From the NBA’s perspective, Amazon entered the media rights negotiation as a new partner. There was no third package in the original draft that shared games between WBD and ESPN. Hence, the NBA could have a compelling argument for their dispute against TNT. Moreover, Silver having studied law at the University of Chicago Law School and served as a New York lawyer gives them another boost. At the same time, WBD won’t submit so easily given their strong foothold on the NBA and the public’s support.

Until any conclusion can be drawn, next season will be the last for Inside the NBA. After a cherished 24-year stint on national television, Charles Barkley admitted he will retire. But it seems TNT has some big plans for Barkley alone who they consider as a “bona fide television star”.

The future of Charles Barkley beyond the NBA

After having watched Chuck exclusively cover basketball, it’s nearly impossible to imagine him in any other setting. For the past two decades, Barkley has immersed himself in becoming a revered basketball analyst. But even with that consideration, it’s hard to deny his infectious allure with the fans.

That’s why TNT seemingly has thoughts about incorporating Charles Barkley into the network beyond his daily job. According to John Ourand of Puck New Sports, Turner is keen on utilizing the NBA legend’s personality in other avenues within their company. It could also unlock a path that goes beyond sports.

“They have March Madness, Barkley has been part of their hockey coverage here and there, and they want to just do more in sports, and he could expand from just doing NBA to being a sports commentator perhaps… They haven’t given up on the idea that he can do something with the right amount of support and right amount of promotion that can be successful that goes beyond sports and entertainment,” Ourand said on SI Media.

Since losing the NBA, Turner has acquired media rights for a variety of sporting events spanning across college football to its exclusive hold on March Madness. In the past, Barkley and Kenny Smith have regularly occurred as analysts during the NCAA basketball tournament. Hence, there is a chance the Round Mound of Rebound will accept a larger role than his current position. But will he want to work in a crew that isn’t the same as Inside the NBA? That’s the big question.

Also before leaving watch Bulldogs star Asia Avinger pick between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark for WNBA ROTY on the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 in the video below.