Charles Barkley, a familiar face on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” show, has made a significant decision to stay with the network for the long haul. Despite previously hinting at retirement, Barkley announced that he will be working closely with TNT leadership to develop new shows and sports content.
In a statement released by TNT Sports, Barkley expressed his love for his TNT Sports family and highlighted the importance of keeping everyone together for as long as possible. He emphasized the incredible team at TNT and their exceptional skills. This commitment from Barkley comes after he had initially indicated his plans to step away from broadcasting next year.
The announcement also comes at a time of uncertainty for TNT as an NBA media rights holder. Following the NBA’s rejection of a bid from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to match an offer from Amazon for a portion of the league’s media rights deal, WBD, TNT’s parent company, filed a lawsuit against the NBA.
As a key figure on “Inside the NBA,” alongside Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith, Barkley’s decision to commit to TNT for the long term is significant. He will be exclusively contributing to TNT Sports for years to come, working on existing shows and new projects developed in collaboration with the network.
While Barkley had previously stated his intention to retire after the 2024-25 NBA season, he later hinted at being open to other opportunities. With interest from networks like Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video, Barkley acknowledged the potential for new opportunities next year.
TNT’s recent acquisition of rights to some College Football Playoff games and the US broadcasting rights for the French Open tennis tournament from 2025 onwards signal a shift in programming. This move could help fill the gap left by the potential loss of NBA programming.
TNT Sports CEO Luis Silberwasser expressed excitement about continuing to work with Barkley and highlighted the network’s commitment to expanding its sports portfolio. With new properties like the College Football Playoffs and Roland-Garros, TNT is focused on developing engaging content for fans.
Barkley’s decision to stay with TNT showcases his dedication to the network and his passion for sports broadcasting. As fans look forward to more of Barkley’s insights and analysis, his continued presence on TNT promises exciting new developments in the world of sports media.
