• Loading stock data...
Thursday, July 10, 2025

Charles Barkley Un-Retires From TV, Says He’s Staying With TNT

  • Sir Charles says he’s staying with his TV family at TNT Sports.
  • TNT is suing the NBA to try to retain media rights.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Barkley is TNT Sports. And TNT Sports is Charles Barkley.

That axiom was reinforced Tuesday as Sir Charles issued a statement declaring he’s changed his mind about retiring from TV—and plans to remain with his work “family” at TNT.

“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. 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,” said the five-time Emmy winner in a statement. “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’m going to give my all as we keep them entertained for years to come.”

Luis Silberwasser, chairman and CEO of TNT Sports, said in a statement: “Charles is one of the best and most beloved sportscasters in the history of television. 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’s one-of-a-kind talents and entertain fans well into the future.”

Barkley signed a 10-year, $210 million contract extension with TNT in 2022. In June, Barkley announced that his 25th season with TNT’s Inside the NBA for the 2024–2025 season would be his last. But that threat always appeared to be a last-ditch Hail Mary by Barkley to try to help his longtime colleagues at TNT hang on to their jobs.

It remains to be seen whether TNT’s legal challenge to retain its 40-year relationship with the NBA will succeed. Even if it doesn’t, TNT wants Barkley to chip in across its sports programming lineup, whether it’s March Madness, college basketball and football, the NHL, and made-for-TV golf events such as “The Match.”

In media appearances this summer, Barkley confirmed ESPN, NBC Sports, and Amazon Prime Video reached out to him about possibly jumping ship. But for now, Barkley’s loyalty to his TNT family has won out. 

Could he change his mind? Of course. Barkley has the contractual right to opt out whenever TNT loses NBA rights, which would be after this coming NBA season if it fails in court. The statements from Barkley and TNT said nothing about his long-term future, although Barkley’s statement did refer to “years,” plural, to come. But Barkley is an unpredictable force of nature who ripped his bosses at Warner Bros. Discovery as “clowns” and “fools” for bungling the NBA rights negotiation. More recently, he turned his guns on NBA owners for choosing Amazon’s “money” over the TV needs of fans. 

“Clearly, the NBA has wanted to break up with us from the beginning,” he said. “I’m not sure TNT ever had a chance. TNT matched the money, but the league knows Amazon and these tech companies are the only ones willing to pay for the rights when they double in the future. The NBA didn’t want to piss them off. It’s a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans. It just sucks.”

Barkley’s a one-of-a-kind talent. His statement of loyalty is the best news to hit TNT in a long time. If he chose to become a free agent, Barkley could command $25 million to $30 million on the open market. But for now, he’s staying with TNT. I can’t wait to watch a totally unplugged Sir Charles chop it up with Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson this coming season.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Amazon Adding Dell Curry to NBA Coverage Team

The 16-year NBA veteran has been a Hornets color commentator.
Jun 19, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor reacts after a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain at Rose Bowl Stadium.

John Textor Sues Investors After They Sue Him Over Failed $1B Soccer..

John Textor says he was duped, investors say he owes them millions.
Jonathan Mariner

Former MLB CFO Jumps to PE, Says Teams Are Undervalued

Mariner worked in Major League Baseball for 24 years.
Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) defends Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) during the second half at United Center.

Why Are the NBA’s Biggest Restricted Free Agents Still Unsigned?

Draymond Green said the new CBA is responsible for ending free agency.

Featured Today

Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.

F1’s ESPN-Apple Dilemma Could Come Down to Reach vs. Money

MLB and MLS games on Apple TV+ have not drawn huge audiences.
exclusive
July 8, 2025

Fox Extends Erin Andrews, Charissa Thompson Contracts Ahead of NFL Season

Changes are coming at Fox, but Andrews and Thompson stay put.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) leads the second lap over Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
July 9, 2025

Apple Vies With ESPN for U.S. Formula One Rights

ESPN’s rights agreement with F1 has been worth about $90 million annually.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
exclusive
July 7, 2025

CBS, NFL Host James Brown Discussing Contract Extension

The 74-year-old Brown has hosted a record 10 Super Bowl pregame shows.
July 7, 2025

ESPN Brings Pat McAfee to Atlanta for Home Run Derby Showcase

The Disney-owned network will bring one of its top stars to Atlanta.
Malika Andrews
exclusive
July 7, 2025

Joe Buck, Malika Andrews to Guest-Host ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’

Elle Duncan and Laura Rutledge have also had discussions.
Dan Orlovsky and Ryan Clark
exclusive
July 7, 2025

Dan Orlovsky, ESPN Agree to Terms for Contract Extension

Orlovsky had faced possible free agency this summer with his contract ending.