Charles Barkley has long been a staple of sports broadcasting, as the outspoken former basketball player has been informing and entertaining audiences for years now. So, understandably, there was a serious outcry when Barkley revealed his plans to retire from the TV business in 2025. The ex-Phoenix Sun’s comments coincided with the reported cancellation of Inside the NBA – the show he famously co-hosts – due to TNT losing the broadcast rights to the eponymous league.
But, now, in a surprising turn of events, Barkley is walking back his statements on retiring. It would seem that the Round Mound of Rebound has now decided to remain with TNT Sports, which is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, even after Inside the NBA’s run ends after the 2024-2025 season.
This development comes less than two months after he announced on air that he would hang up his microphone after over two decades of TV work. Sir Charles shared a statement on the matter, which was obtained by Variety and, by the sounds of it, he’s incredibly committed to remaining with his longtime employers: 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.
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.
While it may still be tough for fans to fathom that Inside the NBA will come to an end, Charles Barkley’s decision to remain with TNT Sports should provide them with some comfort. This is a cool prospect and one that one could add on to the silver lining of wild send-off season for Inside. I can’t speak for others, I’m personally interested in seeing what Barkley and co.
manage to cook up in the years ahead. More to come..
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