Charles Barkley will not be going anywhere anytime soon, as he reaffirmed his long-term commitment with TNT Sports Tuesday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor member, who previously said he would be retiring from television at the end of the 2024-25 season, still has eight years remaining on his contract with the company. TNT is not part of the NBA’s new media rights deal that begins in the 2025-26 season and runs through the 2035-36 season.
“I love my TNT Sports family,” Barkley said in a release. “My #1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible. 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.”
Barkley blasted the NBA after they chose Amazon’s offer over TNT’s in the new media deal.
“Clearly the NBA has wanted to break up with us from the beginning. I’m not sure TNT ever had a chance,” Barkley said in a statement posted on social media. “TNT matched the money, but the league knows Amazon and these tech companies are the only ones willing to pay for the rights when they double in the future. The NBA didn’t want to piss them off.
“It’s a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans. It just sucks.
“I just want to thank everyone who has been at Turner for the last 24 years. They are the best people and the most talented and they deserve better. I also want to thank the NBA and its fans – the best fans in sports. We’re going to give you everything we have next season.”
Barkley will now seemingly venture into new opportunities with TNT Sports. TNT’s press release on Barkley’s new commitment reads:
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.
Barkley, who signed a 10-year agreement with TNT Sports in 2022, will be entering his 25th 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.
Luis Silberwasser, Chairman & CEO, TNT Sports:
“Charles is one of the best and most beloved sportscasters in the history of television. 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.”
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
