Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set earlier than recreation three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airways Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports activities Basketball Corridor of Famer Charles Barkley mentioned Tuesday he now not plans to retire as a tv analyst after the upcoming season and as a substitute intends to stick with TNT Sports activities by way of the rest of his contract.
Barkley, who works on TNT’s “Contained in the NBA” studio present, introduced in mid-June that he deliberate to work yet another season then retire, no matter whether or not TNT’s partnership with the NBA continued after the 2024-25 season, with the community’s contract set to run out.
In late July, the NBA cut up from TNT, saying an 11-year media rights deal price virtually $76 billion with Disney, NBC and Amazon Prime Video. The brand new deal runs from the 2025-26 season by way of the 2035-36 season. Barkley signed a 10-year take care of TNT Sports activities by way of 2032.
“I like my TNT Sports activities household. My #1 precedence has been and all the time will likely be our individuals and retaining everybody collectively for so long as attainable,” Barkley mentioned in a launch. “We have now probably the most superb individuals, and they’re the very best at what they do.”
“That is the one place for me. I’ve to say … I have been impressed by the management group who’s combating laborious and have been aggressive in including new properties to TNT Sports activities, which I’m very enthusiastic about. I recognize them and all of my colleagues for his or her continued assist, and most significantly our followers. I’ll give my all as we hold them entertained for years to come back.”
TNT Sports activities Chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser expressed pleasure that Barkley will likely be a part of the corporate’s plans shifting ahead because it goals to make additions to its sports activities portfolio.
“Charles is without doubt one of the finest and most beloved sportscasters within the historical past of tv,” Silberwasser mentioned in an announcement. “I do know I converse for all of the members of the TNT Sports activities household once I say we’re extremely thrilled to share this mutual dedication to proceed showcasing Charles’ one-of-a-kind abilities and entertain followers properly into the longer term.”
The information comes lower than two weeks after Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT’s mother or father firm, filed a lawsuit in opposition to the NBA in New York Supreme Courtroom as a response to dropping its media rights to Amazon.
Warner Bros. Discovery alleged that the league breached its contract by declining its provide for a brand new media rights deal to be able to companion with Amazon, in response to paperwork obtained by ESPN.
The fates of the favored “Contained in the NBA” present’s different members stay unclear. Host Ernie Johnson has mentioned he plans to stay with TNT, however the standing of fellow analysts Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith stays unclear, in response to ESPN.
–Subject Degree Media