Charles Barkley has lengthy been one of the recognizable voices within the NBA panorama, due to the superb work he does with “Contained in the NBA.” Nevertheless, for the higher a part of a yr now, rumors have been circulating in regards to the present and its constituents. Ever because the media rights deal grew to become a subject of debate, Barkley has been outspoken about how he wish to see issues shake out.
Not solely will the choice influence the league and its broadcast, but additionally the longer term profession of one of many best sports activities media exhibits on tv. Now, the Phoenix Suns legend has come out with what seems like a particular closing reply about his future.
Charles Barkley Has 1 Objective in Thoughts
Barkley’s resolution may actually change within the months to come back, however for now, it looks as if he’s made up his thoughts. Talking to Ernie Johnson on “The Steam Room” podcast, Barkley detailed a singular route for his profession, the place he stays with Turner Sports activities.
“I need to discuss my future as a result of there’s been quite a lot of stuff going about my future, and I need to make all the things completely clear,” Barkley stated. “I’m informing NBC that I can’t settle for their supply. I’m going to cancel future conferences with Amazon. I need to thank NBC, particularly Mark Lazarus and Greg Hughes, who supplied me a contract.
“I need to thank the blokes at Amazon, y’all have been wonderful. However my coronary heart is at all times and will probably be at Turner Sports activities. The one factor I’m ready on proper now between TNT and ESPN. I met with ESPN, these guys have been wonderful, I need to thanks guys for taking the time, and I simply met with the TNT folks.”
Charles Barkley Confirms He Will not Be a part of NBC or Amazon
“I am informing NBC that I can’t settle for their supply. I am gonna cancel future conferences with Amazon… My coronary heart is at all times and will probably be at Turner Sports activities.”
(@NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/gnxMFuCmEl
— NBA Past Court docket (@NBABeyondCourt) February 4, 2025
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Between all of the conversations, it seems to be just like the 1993 NBA MVP has made up his thoughts. Conserving in thoughts his age (61), Barkley does need to scale back his workload, at the least step by step.
“I’m hoping that this factor comes collectively and I can stick with TNT and ESPN however as I’ve stated, it’s all going to be dictated on my workload. I’m not going to work extra as I become older. I’m going to sit down down with ESPN and TNT extra as a result of I simply have to know if I’m going to proceed working, and that’s my solely resolution shifting ahead, how a lot I’m going to work.”
For Barkley, the choice stems from loyalty to the TNT model. He spoke about it in depth, “I wouldn’t really feel snug leaving right here, trigger 25 years is a very long time…I simply wished to get that off my chest.”
It looks as if a fairly definitive assertion from Barkley. Nevertheless, simply final yr, he was positive about retiring final June when the NBA Finals have been nonetheless ongoing between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. However by August, his resolution had modified, and he determined to stay round for longer.
With a 10-year contract signed in 2022, Barkley was able to honor that take care of TNT, stating, “I really like my TNT Sports activities household. My No. 1 precedence has been and at all times will probably be our folks and conserving everybody collectively for so long as potential. I’m wanting ahead to persevering with to work with them each on the exhibits we at present have and new ones we develop collectively sooner or later.”
Even then, Barkley made positive to say that TNT was the community for him, citing his expertise and relationship with the crew as key elements.
“That is the one place for me. I’ve to say … I’ve been impressed by the management crew who’s combating onerous and have been aggressive in including new properties to TNT Sports activities, which I’m very enthusiastic about.”
It stays to be seen if his thoughts modifications sooner or later. However for now, it looks as if a certainty that Barkley is all-in on Turner Sports activities and residing with them no matter how the way forward for “Contained in the NBA” pans out.
