Charles Barkley has made a career as one of the most popular sportscasters simply because he doesn’t care what people think of him. But the Hall of Fame forward showed his caring and generous side in recent days when he decided to donate $5,000 to the TNT employees who worked on the set of “Inside the NBA.”
He announced the news on ESPN’s Amber & Ian podcast on Thursday.
More on Barkley and the future of TNT and “Inside the NBA”
Charles Barkley has spoken openly about whether he would stay with TNT Sports if they NBA media rights, but it seems he is committed to the network’s future nonetheless.
With the NBA set to end its partnership with TNT Sports and instead sign a deal with Prime Video, Barkley’s time with the network seemed to have an end date. Apparently, that’s no longer the case, as Barkley and TNT announced Tuesday that he will end his 10-year contract.
“TNT Sports and Charles Barkley today reaffirmed a long-term commitment that will see the broadcast icon and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer serve exclusively with TNT Sports for years to come,” TNT Sports said in a press release. “Barkley, who signed a 10-year deal with TNT Sports in 2022, will enter his 25th year.th year at the company.
“Barkley is one of the most critically acclaimed broadcasters of all time and has won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality five times – including last year. He and the Insights into the NBA The show – winner of 21 Emmys – has received many accolades, including induction into several Halls of Fame.”
Unfortunately, Barkley is currently only in his third year of ten, so he still has plenty of time left at TNT, even without the rights to the NBA. The basketball legend also issued his own statement on the matter, as he has decided to continue with TNT.
“I love my TNT Sports family. My number one priority has always been and will always be our people and keeping us all together as long as possible,” Barkley said in a press release. “We have the most amazing people and they are the best at what they do. I look 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’m impressed with the leadership team who are fighting hard and aggressively adding new offerings for TNT Sports, which I’m very excited about. I’m grateful to them and all of my colleagues for their continued support, and most importantly, our fans. I will do everything I can to ensure we continue to entertain them for years to come.”
In addition, Luis Silberwasser, Chairman & CEO of TNT Sports, spoke highly of Barkley and painted an exciting future for TNT Sports.
“Charles is one of the best and most beloved sportscasters in the history of television,” Silberwasser said. “I know I speak for everyone in the TNT Sports family when I say we are incredibly excited to share this mutual commitment to continue showcasing Charles’ unique talents and entertaining fans well into the future.”
Steve Samra from On3 also contributed to this article.
