It seems like Charles Barkley can’t catch a break. As per recent reports, the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery have settled their legal battle regarding the league’s media rights, which includes the future of Inside the NBA. Starting next year, ESPN and ABC will license the iconic show and Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson will stay together. But Chuck might have some bad feelings about it.

However, as ESPN might borrow Barkley and the gang, the network has allowed TNT to broadcast several Big 12 football and basketball games, keeping both parties happy. On top of that, TNT Sports will receive global rights outside of the US for Inside the NBA, House of Highlights, and Bleacher Report, and even create new shows for audiences outside the US.

As per The Athletic, TNT Sports could actually do it. They can develop other NBA shows and projects around Barkley, O’Neal, Smith, and Johnson. While Inside the NBA might shift to ESPN, TNT will reportedly continue to produce it. But it’s a thing Sir Charles might not like.

A few months ago, during an appearance on the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast, Chuck took a jab at ESPN’s workload. “They’re not gonna work me like a dog,” he said. “ESPN Radio, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes. I mean, HELL NO! As much as I love ESPN, I just turned 61. The notion that I’m going to be working like a dog into my mid-60s, that’s definitely not going to happen.” For Barkley, there’s a fine line between staying busy and being stretched too thin.

However, right now, Chuck is just three years into his monumental $210 million, 10-year deal with TNT. He’s been the heart of Inside the NBA since 2000, becoming a fan favorite with his candid takes and humor. However, if TNT decides to build more shows around the crew, Barkley might find himself doing exactly what he dreads—working “like a dog” at 61. However, the Hall of Famer himself is seemingly on a job hunt.

Charles Barkley pleaded for job aid

Just weeks ago, Charles Barkley stopped by The Dan Patrick Show for a lively chat about basketball, his playing days, and what lies ahead for him. With Inside the NBA on TNT set to wrap up next year and no future plans announced at the time, Barkley seemed to be thinking ahead. “Can I put you on my LinkedIn thing as a reference?” he jokingly asked Patrick, turning a serious career question into classic Barkley banter.

Patrick, playing along, chuckled and agreed, but Barkley wasn’t done. “I’m trying to get my famous friends all lined up in case I have to use them as a LinkedIn reference,” he quipped.

While Patrick humorously acknowledged him as “the great Charles Barkley,” it’s somewhat surprising to see Barkley requesting help from Patrick considering their history. Back in 1993, Patrick didn’t pick Barkley as his top MVP choice, giving the nod to Magic Johnson instead. Of course, Barkley hasn’t forgotten.

To Patrick’s credit, he did admit to placing Barkley second in the MVP vote that year, a decision Barkley begrudgingly accepted. Nonetheless, with these latest reports, it seems like the Chuckster’s future might not be in as much doubt as it was before.