Charles Barkley Issues Official Statement Confirming $210 Million Contract With TNT

Charles Barkley hinted at retirement once the NBA signed a deal that would prevent TNT from broadcasting games. However, it sounds like the former NBA star will remain with TNT for the long haul after confirming he'll finish his 10-year $210 million contract with TNT.

Although TNT won't be broadcasting NBA games after next season, Barkley will remain with the program for the long haul, according to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. It's a long-term deal that will likely allow Barkley to cover other sports during a 10-year time span. So, that means Barkley won't be going anywhere anytime soon!

Shortly after the news broke, the NBA Hall of Famer issued an official statement regarding his $210 million deal to remain with TNT, per NBA reporter Marc Stein. Overall, Barkley loves the TNT crew and now has the opportunity to remain with the program for several years. Even if they can't broadcast NBA games moving forward.

"I love my TNT Sports family. My No. 1 priority has been and always 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 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."

Barkley's NBA career first began in 1984 after he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was known as a tenacious rebounder as he out-hustled his opponents despite being small for the power forward position at that time (6-5). Barkley finished his career averaging 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

He retired in the year 2000 while also playing for the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. Barkley was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

Soon after announcing his retirement in 2000, Barkley struck a deal with TNT. He joined the Inside the NBA show and became even more popular while being a part of the TNT Halftime Show alongside Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson.

Together, that group won 21 Sports Emmys. Barkley himself took home his fifth Sports Emmy back in May 2024 for Outstanding Studio Analyst.

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