Charles Barkley commits to TNT beyond NBA contract expiration

The potential free agency of one of the most beloved figures in sports media has been a major story this summer. However, Charles Barkley announced he will not be joining another network and will remain with TNT even after their rights to broadcast the NBA end with the 2025-26 season.

With this upcoming season being the final year of the partnership between TNT and the NBA, Barkley initially announced he would retire from television following the end of the contract.

Now, while it remains unclear what sports he will call and provide commentary on, he says he will stay with TNT through the end of his deal. He signed a 10-year extension with the company in 2022.

“I love my TNT Sports family. My No. 1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible…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,” Barkley told his fans in a statement. “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’m going to give my all as we keep [fans] entertained for years to come.”

TNT Sports chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser also released a statement on what it means to keep Barkley with the network for the long-term.

“Charles is one of the best and most beloved sportscasters in the history of television. I know I speak for all the members of the TNT Sports family when I say we are incredibly thrilled to share this mutual commitment to continue showcasing Charles’ one-of-a-kind talents and entertain fans well into the future,” Silberwasser said.

One way or another, it appears Barkley is here to stay on television for the long term.