Charles Barkley is walking back his retirement plans. The longtime sports broadcasters and TNT Sports today issued a joint press release in which they “reaffirmed his long-term commitment” that will see the Hall of Famer “exclusively contribute to TNT Sports for many years to come.”
In June, when TNT parent Warner Bros. Discovery was on the verge of losing NBA rights, Barkley announced that he would be retiring after the 2024-25 season, which would be the league’s last on TNT for the foreseeable future unless WBD’s legal action against the NBA is successful. He subsequently revealed that he had spoken to the companies that won the bidding for the next cycle of basketball rights, Amazon, NBC and ESPN, about potential job opportunities.
But today, TNT Sports noted that Barkley is just two years into a 10-year contract with the company — believed to be worth as much as $210M — indicating that they are going to hold him to it. A five-time Emmy Award winner for outstanding sports personality — including this past year — Barkley headlines Inside the NBA, winner of 21 Emmys, and has been at TNT Sports for 24 years.
“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 in a lengthy statement included in the 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.”
Luis Silberwasser, Chairman & CEO, TNT Sports called Barkley “one of the best and most beloved sportscasters in the history of television,” adding, “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.”
Without acknowledging the pending loss of NBA, Silberwasser noted recent sports acquisitions such as College Football Playoffs, Roland-Garros, NASCAR, BIG EAST college basketball, Mountain West football, among others. He also said that his team, along with Barkley are developing “new content ideas and shows for our fans.”