June 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley speaks on set before Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center . Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said Tuesday that he no longer plans to retire as a television analyst after the upcoming season and instead plans to stay with TNT Sports for the remainder of his contract.
Barkley, who works on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” studio show, announced in mid-June that he planned to work one more season and then retire, regardless of whether TNT’s partnership with the NBA continues beyond the 2024-25 season. Set to expire.
At the end of July, the NBA parted ways with TNT and announced an 11-year media rights agreement with Disney, NBC and Amazon Prime Video worth nearly $76 billion. The new contract is valid from the 2025-26 season to the 2035-36 season. Barkley signed a 10-year contract with TNT Sports until 2032.
“I love my TNT Sports family. My number one priority has always been our employees and keeping everyone together as long as possible,” Barkley said in the release. “We have the best talent. , they are the best in their field of work.”
“This is the only place I’m in. I have to say…I’m very impressed with the leadership team and how hard they are working hard to add new assets to TNT Sports and I’m very excited about it. I appreciate it and thank them.” With the continued support of all my colleagues and most importantly our fans, I will give my all to keep them entertained for years to come.
TNT Sports Chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser expressed excitement that Barkley will be part of the company’s plans moving forward as it aims to expand its sports portfolio.
“Charles was one of the finest and most popular sportscasters in the history of television,” Silberwasser said in a statement. “I know I speak for all members of the TNT Sports family when I say we are extremely excited to share this mutual commitment to continue showcasing Charles’ unique talents and entertaining fans well into the future.”
Less than two weeks ago, TNT parent company Warner Bros. Discovery filed a lawsuit against the NBA in New York Supreme Court in response to Amazon losing media rights.
Warner Bros. Discovery Channel claims the league violated its contract by rejecting a new media rights deal with Amazon, according to documents obtained by ESPN.
The fate of other members of the hit show “Inside the NBA” remains unclear. Host Ernie Johnson said he plans to stay with TNT, but the status of fellow analysts Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith remains unclear, ESPN reported.
–Scene-level media
