Image Source: Fox News
[Saba Sports News] TNT may lose its NBA broadcasting rights after the 2024-25 season, but Charles Barkley is staying put.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, Barkley and TNT announced that Sir Charles “will exclusively contribute to TNT Sports for many years to come.”
“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,” Barkley said. “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 our current shows and new ones we develop together. This is the only place for me.”
Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT’s parent company, recently lost its NBA broadcasting rights and is suing over the situation. The NBA has signed with Amazon, Disney, and NBC for a new 11-year media rights deal. Warner Bros. Discovery is trying to match a competitor’s offer, but the NBA is moving forward with its new agreements.
Barkley previously said he would retire after the 2024-25 season if TNT lost its NBA rights, likely to pressure the network into securing a new deal. He signed a 10-year, $210 million contract with TNT in 2022 and hinted he would stay if they committed to paying him.
Even if Warner Bros. Discovery loses its legal battle with the NBA, Barkley can still contribute to March Madness, golf, and other sports. TNT may have made a mistake in negotiations, but at least they kept Barkley.