Former basketball legend Charles Barkley made a selfless decision to support his TNT production team amidst uncertain times in the broadcasting industry.
In a recent podcast interview, Barkley revealed that he turned down lucrative offers amounting to over $100 million in order to ensure job security for his current TNT staff. Renewing his contract with Turner Sports network, Barkley prioritized the well-being of his team, stating, “The No. 1 thing for me is my people from Turner get to keep their jobs for at least another year.”
Despite receiving tempting offers from other networks vying for his services, Barkley expressed gratitude for their interest while emphasizing his commitment to his colleagues at TNT. He remarked, “I want to thank all of those networks for reaching out to me… Even though they were throwing crazy numbers, as long as I got my people safe at TNT, I feel really good.”
Known for his longstanding association with TNT since 2000, Barkley’s decision reflects his loyalty and dedication to the network where he serves as an analyst on the acclaimed show Inside the NBA. Having signed a 10-year deal in 2022, Barkley, alongside fellow hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith, was set to continue entertaining audiences for years to come.
However, with TNT losing its NBA broadcasting rights after a 34-year partnership, the future of many analysts remains uncertain. Following a new agreement granting exclusive broadcasting rights to ESPN’s parent company, The Walt Disney Company, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video from the 2025-2026 season onwards, Barkley’s decision to prioritize his team’s job security shines a light on his character and values.
Written by
Derek Chan
