Charles Barkley is just as frustrated as his keen spectators. With the negotiation on the NBA rights deal reaching a critical stage, it appears that TNT Sports might lose its rights to NBC. However, some updates seem to offer hope, though, the credibility remains to be confirmed. Apparently, this same confusion has Chuck agitated too.

During a conversation on SI Media With Jimmy Traina, the Philadelphia 76ers legend confessed that nothing is certain about the situation at TNT Sports as of now. While the crew was given a sudden jolt by the NBA rights news, the company is currently pulling all the stops to retain the deal.

“It’s getting a little frustrating with all the rumors and things like that. You know like 3 weeks ago go we got like it’s done we’ve lost it and we’re like what? And then no it’s not and you know it’s really interesting like every report is kind of trying to break the story and they’re all kind of lying,” Barkley said.

Nostalgic memories of the show aren’t the only thing making rounds. Numerous rumors are surfacing on social media leading to baseless assumptions such as Barkley joining a new show or other alternatives. However, none seems to be right. One of them is also about how Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s certain statement might have triggered the ongoing battle for rights. But here’s the twist. Interestingly, Barkley also has his doubts about it. 

Charles Barkley and TNT members need the NBA!

Alex Sherman who is closely associated with the entire process, previously hinted at Zaslav’s comment on financial discipline playing a role during his appearance at The Joe Pomp Show. One of Zaslav’s previous comments on how TNT can survive without the NBA is also under the critics’s gaze. As noted earlier, the Philadelphia 76ers legend also holds a similar opinion. 

“The first thing is they came out and said, ‘We didn’t need the NBA.’ So, I think that probably pissed Adam [Silver] off’. I don’t know that. But when we merged, that’s the first thing our boss said, ‘We don’t need the NBA.’ Well, he don’t need it. But me, Kenny, Shaq, Ernie and the rest of the people who work there, we need it. It just sucks right now”, Barkley admitted during his appearance at The Dan Patrick Show. 

As per recent rumors, the NBA will continue its deal with ESPN. Furthermore, it will give new rights to Comcast-owned NBC and Amazon to stream the league. TNT Sports would either have to find a way to beat its competitors and retain its deal or say goodbye to the NBA and the Inside crew, much to the fans’ disappointment. While the numerous news reports only escalate the tension, we have to patiently wait to see what comes next.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.