Charles Barkley has shed more light on his decision to retire from broadcasting, coinciding with the NBA’s recent $76 billion extension with ESPN and new media rights deals with NBC and Amazon.
On Thursday, Barkley appeared on CNBC’s “Closing Bell” from Lake Tahoe, Nevada, where he is participating in the American Century Championship golf tournament. During the interview, he explained his deep loyalty to TNT and its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable going to work for another network,” Barkley, 61, stated. “It’ll be 25 years that I’ve been working with Turner, and I love everybody at Turner. But at this age, to go over and start over, I don’t know if I want to do that.”
Despite the possibility that TNT could still match offers from other networks to continue broadcasting games beyond next season, Barkley made it clear that no amount of money could entice him to switch networks. He emphasized that his decision is not motivated by financial reasons.
“If I don’t have enough money by now, I’m the biggest idiot, fool in the world,” Barkley remarked when asked if financial considerations could influence his retirement decision. “I’ve been so lucky and blessed… I played in the NBA for 15 years. I’ve been on television for 24 years. If I don’t have enough money by now, I’m the biggest loser in the world.”
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Barkley has a year remaining on his $10 million, 10-year contract with TNT, which aligns with the network’s agreement to broadcast NBA games until after the 2024-25 season. He had already shocked fans by announcing during Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 15 that the next 12 months would be his last on TNT.
His comments on Thursday came just a day after the NBA finalized contracts with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon to broadcast games for the next 11 years. Barkley expressed his concerns about the future of TNT’s relationship with the NBA.
“I really feel bad for everybody at TNT,” Barkley said regarding the current media rights landscape in professional basketball. “All the people I’ve been working with for the last 24 years… They’re really family for me, and I really hope we match… Honestly, in my heart, I think we have lost the package. That’s my honest opinion. But I really hope we get a last-minute reprieve for the people at Turner.”
Barkley has been a cornerstone of “Inside the NBA on TNT” since 2000, forming one of the most iconic studio teams in broadcasting history alongside Ernie Johnson, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Barkley made headlines in June when he threatened to punch a Mavericks fan who trolled him about never winning an NBA Championship. This incident underscores the intensity and passion that Barkley brings to both his professional and personal life.
As the NBA moves forward with its new media deals, Barkley’s impending retirement marks the end of an era for TNT and its viewers. His contributions to the world of sports broadcasting have left an indelible mark, and his departure will undoubtedly be felt by fans and colleagues alike.
