Charles Barkley Says “Hell No” to Potential ESPN Offer Due to a Major Reason: “That’s Definitely Not Gonna Happen”

Where will be Charles Barkley‘s next destination if TNT Sports were to lose the NBA media rights? While it hasn’t been confirmed yet, it increasingly looks like NBC, ESPN, and Amazon will become the broadcast partners after the 2024-25 season. But we do know where Chuck won’t be going for certain. That’s ESPN! Sir Charles just declared that he won’t be joining the sports network for two reasons. It’s not his friendly rivalry with Stephen A. Smith. Chuck is worried about the workload!

In the latest episode of SI Media With Jimmy Traina, Barkley said he is too old now to handle the rigorous work pressure at ESPN. Chuck is 61 years old. During the conversation, Barkley shared that his only requirement is for the network to have the NBA Finals and the Conference Finals. 

Taking a hint from it, the host suggested that the best place for him would be ESPN. But to his surprise, Barkley said he doesn’t plan on joining ESPN because he doesn’t want to work “like a dog.” “ESPN Radio, ESPN two ESPN, there’s port is like, hell no. So as much as I love ESPN, yeah. I just turned 61. The notion that I’m gonna be working like a dog into my mid-60s, that’s definitely not gonna happen,” the Phoenix Suns legend said on the podcast.

Another reason contributing to his refusal of the offer is that he doesn’t want to wake up early. The Philadelphia 76ers legend won’t be able to join Smith’s morning show as he hates getting up at 5. He dismissed this criteria saying that he lives in Arizona. However, it’s necessary to pay attention to the impressive potential offers Chuck might receive if he becomes a free agent.

Can the money factor lure Charles Barkley to ESPN?

The sports media veteran has been in the industry for a long time. Even if it’s hard to accept, if Chuck leaves TNT Sports, he will undoubtedly be the most sought-after free agent. 

Naturally, he would also have some interesting deals to consider. According to sources, ESPN and Amazon could make offers of up to $20 million or even more. However, in this recent interview, Barkley mentioned that the money won’t sway his decision. Rather, it’s his schedule that will matter the most. 

“The money would not even raise my thing, to be honest with you. It just really would depend on schedule,” Barkley said. So, as the host suggested, ESPN would need to offer fewer shows to bring in Barkley. However, judging from the conditions Chuck mentioned and his past dislike for the network, that seems unlikely. Then again, we could be wrong. 

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.