ESPN’s new President of Content couldn’t help himself and stated it would be a “perfect world” if Charles Barkley was part of their network. Not just ESPN, but the NBCUniversal Media Group chairman also suggested he was open to any potential discussion. However, ESPN analyst Jay Williams had a different suggestion, which Chuck had planned a few months before.

Speaking to Front Office Sports, former NBA player turned analyst had a proposition. “Chuck is one of the most talented people there is in sports.” Williams continued, “Why work with the media company? Why just not build your own.” The former Bulls player even provided the blueprint for the same.

“Shaquille O’Neal and his relationship that he has with a lot of his different partners. I think he’s brilliant. Kenny Smith sitting on multiple boards. Charles Barkley and his reach. Why just not form your own entity? I would invest in that in a heartbeat.”

Shaquille O’Neal faced a similar suggestion when he appeared on the Pat McAfee Show last week. “Assuming the businessman that you are, somebody’s going to be able to just pick that thing up,” McAfee remarked, further claiming they’d be getting pretty good returns too, considering the show’s current success.

The Big Diesel was promoting his latest venture, ‘SHAQ-A-LICIOUS XL Gummies,‘ then, and it only added on to the admiration McAfee had for the Lakers legend for having built his business in multiple domains. With some solid business mind there, Williams’ suggestion for the $60 Million rich Charles Barkley might not have been all too far fetched.

Moreover, with that idea, the Inside Show would be very similar to how Pat McAfee Show operates. When the current WWE color analyst signed a deal with ESPN for around $17 million per year, he kept the creative control of the show with that historic deal.

Charles Barkley was ready to launch his new show

Back in May, when there was little to no update on the NBA front, TNT bought the rights and added college football playoff games on a five-year deal. This irked Chuck and he said, “I have talked to the guys about everybody signing with my production company,” Barkley said on the Dan Patrick Show. “I would love to do that if [TNT loses the NBA]… we’re just sitting back waiting on these people to figure out what they’re gonna do.”

Even at the time, Pat McAfee pretty much agreed with the business decision. “That is the move, boys. That is the move.” He knows the importance of creative control, as he calls Shams Charania instead of Adrian Wojnarowski, for NBA news. Even though the latter works for ESPN.

Similarly, Williams also in the FOS interview, said Licensing the program is the right way for Charles Barkley and the Inside show. Should Chuck give in to the network’s executive proposal or should he listen to Williams and McAfee and once again kick-start the plan to produce the show?

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”