Hall of Famer labels the NFL greedy after forcing fans to pay to watch Playoffs, says they do not care about their fans

Charles Barkley called the NFL greedy after they forced fans to watch the game on Peacock rather than regular cable for free (Image via Twitter)

Charles Barkley, the Hall of Fame basketball great speaks his mind whenever he can. While on the ESPN Chicago podcast Waddle & Silvy, Barkley spoke his mind about the NFL.

Speaking ahead of the Chicago Bulls Rings of Honor, Barkley was on the show as a guest to talk about his opinions of the great Chicago Bulls players Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Towards the end of the show, Barkley asked the hosts if he could call out the NFL. When they obliged, Barkley said,

Showing this game not on cable, that’s low class. That’s not cool, they’re just being greedy pigs. I’m glad some NFL players are taking some shots at them.

Charles Barkley via ESPN Chicago
Barkley continued to say that fans having to buy Peacock subscriptions to watch the game was unnecessary.

Charles Barkley went on to add that the NFL has an annual revenue of approximately $20 billion. So to sell viewership rights for $110 million when fans are forced to buy Peacock subscriptions to watch the game is a sign of unnecessary greed on the NFL’s part. Barkley adds that fans should be able to watch these games on cable, which they already pay for.

Barkley’s criticism comes after several players and fans have called out the NFL for their greedy decision. Usually, NFL playoffs are available on cable. Almost everybody in America has cable. Something they already pay for.

The NFL and it’s record-setting viewership against the fans

NFL games this season had the most viewership across all sports leagues this year. They have dominated the viewership records in the United States among all broadcasted shows in 2023. Surveys showed that NFL games swept the broadcasting records in 93 of the top 100 shows last year.

The NFL sold the telecast rights of the playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins to Peacock for $110 million

The Playoff Wild Card game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins will be telecast on Peacock TV. The matchup between Patrick Mahomes and his former running mate Tyreek Hill will likely get massive views.

But Barkley said he would have boycotted the game against the greediness of the NFL.