When Charles Barkley speaks, everyone listens. He has often criticized the NBA’s latest TV Rights deal, and once again, Chuck took aim at the massive $76 billion deal. During a candid conversation, Barkley called it one of the “worst decisions” the league could have made. While the deal means more money for the league and its players, Barkley sees a downside that has him shaking his head.

During his appearance on The Jim Jackson Show, Barkley reflected on his time in the NBA and how drastically contracts have changed. He revealed that the highest salary he ever earned was just $5 million a year—small change compared to today’s figures. “I played in the NBA for 16 years, Jimmy. The most money I made was $5 million.” Nowadays, players are signing contracts at least ten times that amount.

But the numbers alone aren’t what frustrate him. During the same interview, Barkley joked about his past struggles with weight. He admitted that during his early years in the league, he was often criticized for being “fat and lazy.” He worked hard to slim down, but looking at today’s astronomical salaries, he couldn’t help but laugh. “I would never eat again if they start talking about 30, 40, 50, 60 million dollars,” Barkley quipped on the podcast. But he sees this getting worse in the future.

“Once this new TV Deal kick in, we gonna have guys making 70, 80, 90, a $100 million. I would never eat again with this type of money.” In the 2024-25 season, Stephen Curry will be the highest-paid player with a $55.8 million deal. 9 other players will earn around $50 million next season. These numbers are only expected to increase with the latest TV deal. But why is it bad? We have to refer to another one of Barkley’s interviews.

Just a month ago, on Bill Simmons’ YouTube channel, Charles Barkley dove deeper into his criticism of modern NBA trends, particularly load management. “The worst aspect of it to me,” he said. Barkley didn’t mince words when he blasted players for load managing while cashing in massive paychecks.

“When we have guys making $90 million and they’re load managing, you think the regular fan gonna be having that sh**? Hell no,” he said. For Barkley, these huge contracts, paired with players sitting out games, will ultimately hurt the fans—the very people who fuel the NBA’s billion-dollar engine.

Charles Barkley is concerned about fan’s experience

Speaking on Bill Simmons’ YouTube channel, Charles Barkley warned that the NBA’s new $76 billion TV deal could make things worse for fans. “It’s gonna get worse when guys start making more money when the new TV deal kicks in.” Comparing NBA players to everyday heroes like doctors and firefighters, Barkley highlighted the stark difference, pointing out that while others work tirelessly, NBA players only play 3-4 times a week.

Earlier this year, on Stephen A. Smith’s podcast, Chuck sounded the alarm again, urging the league to avoid alienating its fanbase. “You have to be concerned. Everybody has to be concerned,” he said. “The fans make everything go… once you piss them off, there’s gonna be some repercussions.”

Barkley’s biggest gripe? The money. He believes players are getting “way too much,” and it’s leading to a growing disinterest in playing. According to him, load management is only going to increase as players’ motivation fades with each new lucrative deal, leaving fans frustrated and fed up.

Interestingly, Kenny Smith doesn’t quite agree with Chuck’s harsh critique. He pointed out that load management is a decision made by team management, not the players. Yet, Barkley remains firm, insisting that with salaries reaching $100 million a year, fans won’t tolerate. He believes at some point, the fans are gonna say, “I’ve had enough.”