“My heart is always and will be at Turner Sports.” Charles Barkley has been loud and clear about his loyalty for the network he has spent decades with. But then why would Chuck even think going all legal on TNT? Well, it seems this goes back to the time when the 11x All-Star was open to hearing out offers from NBC and Amazon last year. However, Turner Sports didn’t quite like the idea, creating somewhat of a friction between them and Chuck back then.

Charles Barkley opened up about it during his recent appearance on the Dan Patrick Show. He initiated his opinion by highlighting his belief that TNT keeping the Inside the NBA is not the same as the network sending it to ESPN. “We were having some heated discussions behind scenes down in Atlanta… They [TNT] sent a cease and desist letter to NBC and Amazon saying I wasn’t available,” Barkley recalled the time when the clouds of uncertainty loomed around Inside the NBA. 

The former Philadelphia 76ers star recollected emphasizing his stand that his contract did not state what TNT was trying to convey. “Y’all lost the NBA. If I wanted to leave, I could leave… They’re like, ‘No, you on the contract.’ I said, ‘Well, I’ll take my chances in court.’ And I felt really good about my chances in court. Because regardless of what they say… Them trading us to ESPN ain’t the same as us being on a contract to TNT,” Chuck said.

The Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns TNT, is losing its NBA broadcasting rights after this season. But they’ve struck a deal with Disney to keep the show alive. So, Inside the NBA will still be licensed by TNT but will air on ESPN.

The good news, however, is that despite all the back-and-forth, Charles Barkley has made his decision—he’s staying with TNT. No NBC, no Amazon. He announced it loud and clear on The Steam Room, saying, “I’m informing NBC that I will not accept their offer. I’m gonna cancel my future meetings with Amazon.”

And in true Barkley fashion, he wrapped it up with heartfelt gratitude for both the networks. “Y’all been amazing, but my heart is always and will be at Turner Sports.”

Charles Barkley’s future in broadcasting will depend on his workload

During his recent appearance on The Steam Room, Chuck kept it real about his broadcasting future. He’s hoping to stick with TNT and ESPN, but there’s a catch. It all comes down to his workload. “I’m not going to work more as I get older,” he said. And honestly, can you blame him? After years of entertaining fans with his bold takes and unmatched charisma, he’s earned the right to slow things down.

The former Sixers star also mentioned he’ll be sitting down with both ESPN and TNT to figure things out. It’s not about jumping ship or chasing new opportunities, but simply about one thing. “How much I’m going to work” That’s the only decision weighing on Chuck’s mind.

However, Charles Barkley did not forget to double down on his love for TNT. “You guys are amazing, and I love you to death, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving here because 25 years is a long time,” he said. Sure, he’s had conversations with NBC and Amazon in the past. But right now, his heart—and focus—are with Turner, as long as the workload feels right.

Let’s not forget, Chuck announced last June that the 2024-25 season would be his last on TV. But as it stands, it seems like that decision isn’t set in stone. It’s all about finding the balance. And knowing Barkley, he’ll figure it out on his own terms.