Charles Barkley Blasts NCAA as 'Idiots' Over NIL and Transfer Portal Chaos

Charles Barkley, the outspoken Basketball Hall of Famer, has unleashed a fiery critique of the NCAA’s handling of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal, calling the organization a "bunch of idiots and fools" for what he sees as the ruination of college basketball. Speaking on OutKick’s Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich, Barkley, 62, didn’t hold back, lamenting the chaotic state of the sport.

Barkley supports players earning money but is baffled by the skyrocketing sums and the ease with which athletes can switch schools annually. "Tens of millions to pay kids to play basketball, and they’re free agents every year? Even the NBA doesn’t work like that," he said, highlighting the lack of stability in college rosters. He argues that investing in players who may only stay for six months offers little return, especially when championships remain elusive.

When asked if he’d contribute to Auburn’s NIL fund, Barkley dismissed the idea, prioritizing causes closer to his heart. "I just gave $10 million to HBCUs and millions to rebuild houses in Birmingham," he said, calling college athletics a "cesspool" he’d rather avoid. For Barkley, the NCAA’s missteps have turned a once-vibrant sport into a transactional mess, leaving fans and donors questioning the value of their investment.