Charles Barkley described broadcasting free agency as a “humbling” experience, as he left “at least $100 million” on the table to return to Turner Sports amid uncertainty surrounding TNT’s NBA coverage.
On “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz” on Tuesday, Barkley was asked about his commitment to TNT following June’s unexpected retirement announcement, as rumors lingered about whether parent company Warnes Bros. Discovery might lose its NBA media rights after the 2024-25 season.
“The No. 1 thing for me is my people at Turner get to keep their jobs for at least another year, that’s all I was concerned with,” Barkley told reporters.
Le Batard then asked Barkley what appeared to be a nine-figure question.
“How much money do you think you left on the table in making that decision concerned about others?” Le Batard asked, to which Barkley replied, “At least $100 million.”
“It was a wonderful sensation, and I’d like to thank all of those networks for contacting me; it was both humbling and exciting. … Like I said, Dan, even though they were throwing insane numbers, I was like, ‘Damn,’ but as long as I had my folks safe at TNT, dude, I am very happy. As I previously stated, they will pay me to go talk about nothing, so I cannot look a gift horse in the mouth. If I had gone to one of those other networks, I would have had to put in an honest day’s work,” remarked the Hall of Famer, 61.
Barkley has been an analyst for TNT since 2000, appearing on “Inside the NBA” with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal.
READ MORE: NBA.. “We’re Going With Amazon, And Ending Our Media Rights Deal With TNT”
The future of the cherished program became a huge question mark in May, when it was revealed that the NBA was finalizing arrangements with Disney, NBC, and Amazon for new rights contracts starting in 2025-26.
Weeks later, while covering the NBA Finals, Barkley said that 2024-25 would be his final season on television.
“I have made the decision myself — no matter what happens — next year is going to be my last year on television,” added Barkley, who discussed speaking with other networks.
Plans then evolved when TNT and Barkley “reaffirmed his long-term commitment” in a joint statement earlier this month, two years after agreeing to a 10-year contract.
“I adore my TNT Sports family. My number one concern has always been and will continue to be our people, and I intend to keep everyone together as long as possible. We have the most fantastic folks who are the greatest at what they do. I’m excited to continue working with them on both our current shows and new ones we’re developing together in the future. Barkley stated, “This is the only place for me.”
“I need to say…” I’ve been impressed by the leadership team, who are pushing hard and aggressively introducing new products to TNT Sports, which I’m very thrilled about. I am grateful to them and all of my colleagues for their ongoing support, particularly our fans. I’m going to give it my all as we entertain them for years to come.”
The NBA media rights drama is far from done, though, since WBD sued the league in July over a matching rights condition in its deal.
According to a source who spoke with The Post’s Ryan Glasspiegel, TNT matched Amazon’s rights package, although the NBA stated that the network “did not match the terms” of Amazon.
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