Charles Barkley won’t work in the broadcasting field unless it’s with TNT Sports. That’s how strong a bond ‘Chuck’ shares with the network. Despite potential opportunities to earn millions with different networks, the 11-time NBA All-Star decided to stay with TNT and retire. After all, ‘Chuck’ has spent 24 years with the TNT family. After his retirement from the NBA in 2000, Chuck joined Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer Ernie Johnson on the show ‘Inside the NBA.’

He has always acknowledged that this was the best decision of his career.

TNT brought wine and tequila to convince Charles Barkley to a resign deal

Despite claiming that he wouldn’t work after turning 60, Chuck signed a 10-year deal with the network in 2023 at the age of 61. That shows Chuck’s dedication to the show. The company also had an intriguing way to convince Barkley to sign his deal with the company back in 2015.

In the past, Barkley expressed his issues and difficulties in continuing his deal with TNT Sports in 2015. However, the company was able to convince him. But how? The TNT crew consisting of then Broadcasting System president David Levy and four of his staff members, Tara August, Craig Barry, Lenny Daniels, and Tim Kiely went all the way to Barkley’s house in Scottsdale to convince him. And then finally after a golfing session with Levy, Barkley agreed to sign the deal.

However, their secret plan was to use $1,700 worth of wine and tequila to make the deal with him. The group bought two bottles of 1942 Don Julio tequila two magnums of 2009 Bond Estates St Eden Napa Valley Red and plates of pasta and meatballs during their visit.

“David bought two bottles of wine, two bottles of tequila and we killed them. The money at this stage of my life does not matter. At this stage of my life, I’m not concerned about money. I shook David’s hand and said, ‘We got a deal.’ I told my agent, ‘We are not haggling or negotiating. Do the deal,” the Philadelphia 76ers legend said.

Charles Barkley was happy to become a part of the ‘Inside the NBA’ family.

Barkley’s first appearance on the show was on October 31, 2000. From his hilarious conversation with Peter Vecsey, and arguments with Shaquille O’Neal to his famous commentary on Tom Brady’s golf match with Tiger Woods, Barkley has served numerous iconic moments on the show.

“It’s the best decision I made in my life, Jimmy. Working with these guys, it’s so much fun going to work. I mean, number one, getting to watch the best basketball players in the world all the time is pretty special,” ‘Chuck’ said during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel.

Furthermore, he expressed gratitude for his friendship with his colleagues Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. “But to go to work and have fun with those guys…when I took the job, Ernie [Johnson] asked me how long I was going to be there. And I said I was going to be here like three years and I’m gonna move on to bigger and better things. But nothing bigger and better has come along, that’s why I’m stuck there,” Barkley added. However, what has now unfolded has left the enthusiasts in a sad state.

Charles Barkley announced retirement

However, Barkley dropped the bomb this June. On NBA TV, the Phoenix Suns announced his plans to retire after the 2024-25 season. His decision came around the same time Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) was nearing the expiration of its media rights deal with the NBA. Before this, he was vocal about the stressful situations at the company headquarters.

For those who claimed that the Phoenix Suns legend might become a free agent after the 2024-25 season, the NBA legend’s announcement had a clear message. “I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT. But I have made the decision that no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television,” Barkley said.

The show ‘Inside the NBA’ gained immense popularity and is still a fan favorite, thanks to Chuck and his colleagues.

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