After announcing plans to retire from broadcasting after Inside the NBA ends its run in 2025, Charles Barkley is going to stay with WBD.

Both WBD and Barkley made the announcement today. The news comes amid the recent turmoil over WBD losing the rights to the NBA for the first time since the 1984-85 season. Initially airing games on TBS, they would air the NBA on TNT, starting with the 1989-90 season. The five-time Emmy winner is currently in the third year of a 10-year, $210-million deal after signing a new agreement in 2022. Next season will see Barkley’s 25th year with the company. In the meantime, WBD is suing the NBA with hopes to at least match the Amazon package. Whether they are victorious is something that basketball fans will be following as the lawsuit plays out.

Sir Charles released the following statement:

“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. 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 the shows we currently have and new ones we develop together in the future. 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 appreciate them and all of my colleagues for their continued support, and most importantly our fans. I’m going to give my all as we keep them entertained for years to come.”

Luis Silberwasser, Chairman and CEO, TNT Sports:

“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. We continue to add to the breadth and depth of our sports portfolio — including new properties in the College Football Playoffs, Roland-Garros, NASCAR, BIG EAST college basketball, Mountain West football, among others – and it’s fantastic to have Charles for this journey as we develop new content ideas and shows for our fans.”

Make no mistake that the Emmy-winning Inside the NBA is one of the best studio shows on television. It’s a great credit to host Ernie Johnson Jr. and veteran basketball analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and the occasional Draymond Green. Previous analysts include Magic Johnson, Reggie Miller, and Chris Webber. Regardless of what happens, the Inside the NBA team plays a substantial role during March Madness with the joint CBS-TNT Sports deal. The current March Madness deal runs through the 2032 tournament. Barkley’s announcement ensures that he isn’t going anywhere. WBD also has the rights to air MLB, college football, and NHL games. It would be different to see Barkley popping up on TBS baseball coverage. Still though, he’d certainly add something to the broadcast.

ESPN/ABC, Amazon, and NBCUniversal will have the NBA rights with the contract starting with the 2025-26 season. As for Charles Barkley, he is not going anywhere. This is a good thing for fans of The Round Mound of Rebound!

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