He’s Back: Charles Barkley To Remain At TNT Sports ‘For Many Years To Come’
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 04:42PM By Barry Janoff
Aug. 6, 2024: Despite his admonishment to the contrary, Charles Barkley is not going anywhere.
In June, Barkley, who has been with TNT since 2000 and in 2022 signed a new ten-year agreement, said he planned to retire following the 2024-25 NBA season.
That was due in large part to TNT Sports, a division of Warner Bros. Discovery, seeming to lose its long-term media deal with the NBA after the upcoming season.
Today, TNT Sports said Barkley has “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.”
“I love my TNT Sports family,” Barkley said via the network. “My No. 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.”
Barkley’s main presence with TNT Sports has been at Inside the NBA with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal (pictured above). In May, Barkley gained his fifth Sports Emmy for Outstanding Studio Analyst.
He also works as a commentator and analyst during March Madness as part of the NCAA’s media deal with TNT Sports and CBS Sports.
“Charles is one of the best and most beloved sportscasters in the history of television,” Luis Silberwasser, chairman and CEO, TNT Sports, said via the network.
“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.”
The NBA last month unveiled 11-year $76 billion media deals with Disney (ESPN-ABC), NBC Sports and Amazon’s Prime Video, to begin in 2025-26. TNT Sports was not included, but matched Amazon’s deal.
The NBA chose to uphold its new Amazon alliance, with TNT Sports saying it would "take appropriate action."
Formerly known as Turner Broadcasting, it has had an NBA package since 1984 and games have been on TNT Sports since the network launched in 1988.
Without a major change, the 2024-25 NBA season currently will end TNT Sports alliance with the league.
The TNT Sports U.S. portfolio currently includes alliances with the NBA, MLB, the NCAA Div. I Men’s Basketball Championship, NHL, U.S. Soccer Federation, Mountain West and, starting in 2025, Nascar, Roland-Garros Grand Slam and the Big East.
The door might be open for Barkley to take on a role that Snoop Dogg has had with NBC Sports during the Olympics in Paris, making appearances at all events as a commentator and analyst.
He could also get a stand-alone platform similar to his recent King Charles, a weekly talk show on CNN he co-hosted with Gayle King, which ended in April after a six month run.
“This is the only place for me,” said Barkley. “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.”
According to Silberwasser, “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.”
NBA Signs $76B Deals With Disney, NBCU, Amazon; TNT Sports Out
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