Charles Barkley hints at Inside the NBA ending after calling out ‘petty’ WNBA stars over Caitlin Clark criticism

TNT Sports analyst Charles Barkley has seemingly suggested that Inside the NBA is indeed coming to an end.

Chuck hinted at Warner Bros.’s failure. Discovery on striking a new broadcast deal with an off-the-cuff comment following a rant about Caitlin Clark haters on Wednesday night.

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Barkley, 61, joined LeBron James in rejecting suggestions that Clark’s popularity is due to things other than his extraordinary college basketball career.

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson and former ESPN personality Jemele Hill have suggested in recent weeks that the Indiana Fever star’s run is behind his rise.

James, 39, appeared to have come to Clark’s defense in his Be careful with the game podcast earlier this week.

The Los Angeles Lakers star credited the former Iowa standout for the WNBA’s rapid rise and said he was “rooting” for her.

And Barkley echoed the four-time NBA champion’s claims — while sending a message to other WNBA stars.

“You women are petty, man,” he said before Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Hey LeBron, you’re 100% right about these girls hating Caitlin Clark.

“You are petty, girls. I hope men are petty, because we are the most insecure group in the world.

“You guys should thank that girl for getting the a** private letters, all the money and visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA.

“Don’t be petty like the guys!”

After Barkley’s rant, Draymond Green told the TNT analyst that he would likely face a lot of criticism for his comments.

“They might hate me, but that mailman better be at my house on the 1st and 15th,” Chuck replied.

He then added ominously: “For another year…” repeating the phrase after Kenny Smith.

TNT’s current television rights deal with the NBA expires after the 2024-25 season.

And recent reports suggest the WBD-owned network will lose its gaming package to NBC.

A TNT-NBA split would likely mean the end of Inside the NBA.

Barkley recently said that even if the iconic show’s analysts — including himself, Smith and Shaquille O’Neal — left the company, host Ernie Johnson would likely remain at WBD.

“I don’t want to lie to you, I know Ernie wouldn’t go anywhere else – he’s almost 70, I think he’s going to retire sooner or later,” said the NBA icon.

“I don’t know what will happen with Amazon, ESPN or if we will lose to NBC.

“I’m not sure how to answer that question, honestly. I just don’t know.

“Ernie wouldn’t go to another network. I’m sure of that. I would listen before making any decisions.”