Charles Barkley has long been one of the most recognizable voices in the NBA landscape, thanks to the excellent work he does with “Inside the NBA.” However, for the better part of a year now, rumors have been circulating about the show and its constituents. Ever since the media rights deal became a topic of discussion, Barkley has been outspoken about how he would like to see things shake out.
Not only will the decision impact the league and its broadcast, but also the future career of one of the greatest sports media shows on television. Now, the Phoenix Suns legend has come out with what sounds like a definite final answer about his future.
Charles Barkley Has 1 Goal in Mind
Barkley’s decision could certainly change in the months to come, but for now, it seems like he’s made up his mind. Speaking to Ernie Johnson on “The Steam Room” podcast, Barkley detailed a singular direction for his career, where he remains with Turner Sports.
“I want to talk about my future because there’s been a lot of stuff going about my future, and I want to make everything perfectly clear,” Barkley said. “I’m informing NBC that I will not accept their offer. I’m going to cancel future meetings with Amazon. I want to thank NBC, especially Mark Lazarus and Greg Hughes, who offered me a contract.
“I want to thank the guys at Amazon, y’all have been amazing. But my heart is always and will be at Turner Sports. The only thing I’m waiting on right now between TNT and ESPN. I met with ESPN, those guys were amazing, I want to thank you guys for taking the time, and I just met with the TNT people.”
Charles Barkley Confirms He Won't Join NBC or Amazon
"I'm informing NBC that I will not accept their offer. I'm gonna cancel future meetings with Amazon… My heart is always and will be at Turner Sports."
(@NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/gnxMFuCmEl
— NBA Beyond Court (@NBABeyondCourt) February 4, 2025
Between all the conversations, it looks like the 1993 NBA MVP has made up his mind. Keeping in mind his age (61), Barkley does want to reduce his workload, at least gradually.
“I’m hoping that this thing comes together and I can stay with TNT and ESPN but as I’ve said, it’s all going to be dictated on my workload. I’m not going to work more as I get older. I’m going to sit down with ESPN and TNT more because I just need to know if I’m going to continue working, and that’s my only decision moving forward, how much I’m going to work.”
For Barkley, the decision stems from loyalty to the TNT brand. He spoke about it in depth, “I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving here, cause 25 years is a long time…I just wanted to get that off my chest.”
It seems like a pretty definitive statement from Barkley. However, just last year, he was sure about retiring last June when the NBA Finals were still ongoing between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. But by August, his decision had changed, and he decided to stick around for longer.
With a 10-year contract signed in 2022, Barkley was ready to honor that deal with TNT, stating, “I love my TNT Sports family. My No. 1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible. 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.”
Even then, Barkley made sure to mention that TNT was the network for him, citing his experience and relationship with the team as key factors.
“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.”
It remains to be seen if his mind changes in the future. But for now, it seems like a certainty that Barkley is all-in on Turner Sports and residing with them regardless of how the future of “Inside the NBA” pans out.
