Charles Barkley makes future broadcasting plans known
Charles Barkley is following his heart.
The NBA analyst announced on “The Steam Room” podcast he will remain with Turner Sports, despite reported offers from Amazon and NBC among others.
“I’m informing NBC that I will not accept their offer,” he told Ernie Johnson. “I’m gonna cancel my future meetings with Amazon.”
RELATED: Barkley thought about retiring
The former Auburns standout thanked both NBA and Amazon.
“My heart will always be with Turner Sports,” he said.
Barkley, 61, said the only thing left to decide is how much he is going to work.
“I’m hoping this thing comes together when I can stay with TNT and ESPN,” he said. “As I’ve said, it’s all dictated on my work load. I’m not going to work more as I get older.”
He added TNT has been “amazing,” and he loves it “to death.”
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving here because 25 years is a long time,” he added.
TNT will lose live NBA rights starting with the 2025-26 season, and there’s been speculation that Barkley’s “Inside the NBA” would could be broken up.
In addition, Barkley said he relies on conversations with guys who have been in the business to guide him through the process, like Mike Wilbon, Tony Kornheiser, Bryant Gumbel and Ahamaad Rashad.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.