Charles Barkley to remain at TNT Sports, not retire after network loses NBA media rights

Charles Barkley has been outspoken about whether he’d remain at TNT Sports if they lost their NBA media rights, but it seems as if he’s committing to the future of the network regardless.

As the NBA will move on from their partnership with TNT Sports, instead choosing to strike a deal with Prime Video, Barkley’s time with the network seemed to have an end date. Evidently, that’s no longer the case, as Barkley and TNT announced on Tuesday that he’ll finish out his ten-year contract.

“TNT Sports and Charles Barkley today reaffirmed his long-term commitment that will see the broadcasting icon and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer exclusively contribute to TNT Sports for many years to come,” a press release read from TNT Sports. “Barkley, who signed a 10-year agreement with TNT Sports in 2022, will be entering his 25^th year with the company.

“One of the most critically acclaimed broadcasters of all time, Barkley is a five-time Emmy Award winner for outstanding sports personality — including this past year. He and the Inside the NBA show — winner of 21 Emmys — have been the recipient of many acknowledgments including induction in several Halls of Fame.”

Alas, Barkley is only on year three of ten at the moment, so he’ll have plenty of time remaining with TNT, even without the rights to the NBA. The basketball legend provided his own statement on the matter as well, as he’s chosen to move forward with TNT.

“I love my TNT Sports family. My #1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible,” Barkley said, via a press release. “We have the most amazing people, and they are the best at what they do. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them both on the shows we currently have and new ones we develop together in the future. This is the only place for me.

“I have to say … I’ve been impressed by the leadership team who is fighting hard and have been aggressive in adding new properties to TNT Sports, which I am very excited about. I appreciate them and all of my colleagues for their continued support, and most importantly our fans. I’m going to give my all as we keep them entertained for years to come.”

Additionally, Luis Silberwasser, Chairman & CEO, TNT Sports, waxed poetic about Barkley, painting an exciting future for TNT Sports in the process.

“Charles is one of the best and most beloved sportscasters in the history of television,” Silberwasser stated. “I know I speak for all the members of the TNT Sports family when I say we are incredibly thrilled to share this mutual commitment to continue showcasing Charles’ one-of-a-kind talents and entertain fans well into the future.

“We continue to add to the breadth and depth of our sports portfolio — including new properties in the College Football Playoffs, Roland-Garros, NASCAR, BIG EAST college basketball, Mountain West football, among others – and it’s fantastic to have Charles for this journey as we develop new content ideas and shows for our fans.”

It wouldn’t have felt right to not see Charles Barkley on TNT Sports’ airwaves. While he only has one more season of broadcasting the NBA, there’s no doubt a place for him at a litany of other places within the network.