Charles Barkley has never been shy about telling the world he’s not a role model. Yet, his recent actions suggest otherwise. In August, Chuck shocked fans by revealing he left at least $100 million on the table to stick with Turner Sports. Though he’s not retiring just yet, his farewell from Inside the NBA is inching closer, and Barkley’s starting to open up about the emotions tied to his 24-year journey. What’s he going to miss the most? It’s not the money or the fame—it’s something much more personal.

In a recent exclusive interview with On3, Chuck reflected on the relationships he’s built over the years. When asked what he would miss the most, Barkley revealed, “I just think the people… You got to understand something, how many of these people I met, they bought their newborns in, then they bought them in on prom night and they came in when they graduated college.” For Barkley, it’s not just a job.

“And I’ve been there for 24 years. So when you work with somebody for 24 years, they’re part of your family,” Chuck expressed in the interview. The Chuckster has expressed his displeasure at the NBA not continuing on TNT numerous times. Despite that, he decided to stick with Turner Sports as he understood that people’s jobs were on the line. If Barkley and the rest of his Inside the NBA buddies decided to leave, many employees could have been let go off. But it’s not just the people that make leaving tough for the 61-year-old.

Barkley is a true basketball fan at heart, and as he told Ian Rapoport, “I am going to miss watching basketball what like every day. Going in the studio and watching games.” As the 2024-2025 season approaches, it’s going to be the last for Inside the NBA, with Turner Sports not matching Amazon’s broadcasting deal. Having won 5 Sports Emmy Awards since joining in 2000, Barkley’s impact is undeniable. But what’s next for TNT—and for Chuck himself? That’s the million-dollar question hanging in the air.

Charles Barkley’s future with TNT?

During the NBA Finals, Charles Barkley initially announced that he would step away from TNT Sports, regardless of how the NBA’s media deals played out. However, fans were relieved when he confirmed he’ll stick around, especially after signing a 10-year contract extension in 2022. Looks like Chuck isn’t quite ready to hang up his analyst hat just yet.

Chuck’s commitment to the network isn’t just about contracts or money—it’s personal. “I love my TNT Sports family. My No. 1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible,” he said in a heartfelt statement. He further revealed he’s not just focused on the shows they currently have but is excited about potential new projects with the network.

As TNT Sports Chairman Luis Silberwasser put it, “Charles is one of the best and most beloved sportscasters in the history of television.” Silberwasser echoed the excitement of the entire TNT family, stating that they’re thrilled to continue showcasing Barkley’s unmatched talent for years to come. With such admiration from both colleagues and fans, it’s clear that Chuck’s future with TNT is bright, even as the landscape of sports media continues to evolve.