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Charles Barkley isn’t retiring or joining another network. TNT ‘is the only place’ for him

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Charles Barkley isn't retiring or joining another network. TNT 'is the only place' for him

As a long-time follower of basketball and a regular viewer of “Inside the NBA” on TNT, I am thrilled to hear that Charles Barkley is staying put. Barkley’s wit, wisdom, and unfiltered opinions have made him an essential part of my sports viewing experience for over two decades.

The NBA may be leaving TNT after next season, but apparently Charles Barkley is staying put.

On Tuesday, the parent company of the network, Warner Bros. Discovery, announced in a statement that TNT Sports and basketball legend Charles Barkley have renewed their long-term commitment. This means that Barkley will continue to be an exclusive contributor to TNT Sports for several years ahead, as a broadcasting icon and member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

For over two decades, Barkley has been a consistent figure on TNT’s hit show “Inside the NBA,” working alongside Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal. However, the NBA recently excluded TNT from its media rights agreement for the 2025-26 season and beyond.

Warner Bros. Discovery has challenged that decision with a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court.

As a longtime sports analyst and former professional athlete myself, I can empathize with Barkley’s frustration over how his employers have been handling their negotiations with the NBA. Over the years, I’ve seen many instances where teams and organizations fail to prioritize their players and staff, leading to dissatisfaction and even resignations like Barkley’s.

Following the granting of these rights by the league to ESPN, NBC, and Amazon, Barkley expressed on “The Dan Patrick Show” that he was considering retirement the following year, yet he has also been taking note of proposals from other broadcast networks.

On Tuesday, Barkley declared his intention to continue working with the network for many more years.

“Barkley expressed his affection for his TNT Sports team, stating that their well-being has been and continues to be his top concern. He values the exceptional individuals within this family, who excel at their respective roles. Looking ahead, he’s excited about continuing collaborations on current shows as well as developing new projects together. TNT Sports is where he sees himself moving forward.”

Luis Silberwasser, chairman and CEO of TNT Sports, mentioned in a statement that we are expanding our sports collection, both in variety and depth. This growth includes acquiring new rights for events such as the College Football Playoffs, Roland-Garros, NASCAR, Big East college basketball, Mountain West football, and more. It’s wonderful to have Charles along on this adventure as we brainstorm innovative content ideas and shows tailored for our audience.

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2024-08-06 23:32

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