There seems to be a lot about the 76ers that Charles Barkley is upset about. He still holds the franchise responsible for ruining his career. And now he believes there’s another reason to add to the list. Recently, he blamed the 76ers again, stating that one of their most expensive endeavors might have led to TNT’s controversial issue with the NBA. His assumptions are wild again. And he fears he almost lose his broadcasting job because of it.

During his appearance on The Mike Missanelli Show, Charles Barkley expressed concern over the 76ers’ proposal for a new arena, which is estimated to cost a staggering $1.3 billion. It might as well cost $1.55 billion. “I’m getting fired because the Sixers want a new Arena,” Barkley said, via 97.5 The Fanatic.

Barkley suggested that the team’s desire for a new arena might be influencing the NBA to sign lucrative deals with NBC and other networks. Although he may have been entirely joking about it, the numbers he mentioned certainly raised eyebrows. “Two billion, the 4 billion, the six billion, 7 billion dollar, they just getting ready to get for the next 11 years,” Barkley said.

In its new 11-year deal with Amazon, ESPN, and NBC, the NBA is set to earn $76 billion, with NBC alone paying $2.5 billion annually starting in the 2025-2026 season. As Charles Barkley noted, there are other sources of income as well. That’s an insane amount. This will benefit the players with an increase in their salaries, owners as well as the franchises.

Interestingly, the NBA rejected TNT’s offer, even after the network matched Amazon’s deal. This led to further drama, with TNT eventually challenging the decision in court.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ entire project demands a new home called 76 Place in Center City which is close to Chinatown. 

New Jersey’s proposal for the 76ers

Barkley isn’t the only one upset about the project. The locals aren’t excited either. Members of the Chinatown community are protesting to stop the project. Many voiced concerns that the expansion would lead to traffic issues, difficulties with street parking, and obvious harm to local businesses.

A report put forth by the protesters suggests that only one out of five businesses would benefit from the changes, which presents a significant disadvantage from an overall perspective. Moreover, there’s an interesting offer from Governor Murphy and the NJEDA to bring the 76ers to Camden, New Jersey.

The 76ers are under pressure to find a new arena by the end of the 2031-32 NBA season. Naturally, they are carefully considering all options. “The reality is we are running out of time to reach an agreement that will allow the 76ers to open our new home in time for the 2031-32 NBA season. As a result, we must take all potential options seriously, including this one,” the statement by Sixers read.

The Phoenix Suns legend’s comments may have been made in a fit of rage, while more and more people are highlighting the concerns raised by the Chinatown community. However, nothing has been officially declared yet.

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.