“No matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television” — Charles Barkley seems to have taken a U-turn on his words. But despite what the rumors say, he still stands on his earlier words of TNT being his last. From NBA going with Amazon to TNT filing a law-suit on the move, and from Barkley criticizing the league to rumors of him considering other job options, a lot has transpired. The former NBA star has, however, cleared why considering a different network is not an option for him.

During his recent appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Chuck faced the question of how much he actually meant when he declared his retirement. The former Philadelphia 76ers star suggested it is still 100% true if it doesn’t work out with TNT. He is not sure if he can break into another team of people at 62, considering he has been with the Inside the NBA crew for almost two decades now.

“I know exactly what Ernie’s gonna do. Think. I know it’s gonna be his reaction. I know what Kenny and Shaq are gonna do to go out there on a new network. Cause, you know, if I go to another network, they’re gonna be coming for me. You know, they can be like, y’all paid this guy this money to come here to bomb,” he added.

However, earlier Barkley had told The Athletic that either he will stick with TNT or may as well listen to what ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video have to offer when the new media rights deal surfaces for season 2025-26.

Appearing on the Dan Patrick Show recently, Chuck revealed his last deal with TNT to be 10 years, $210 million. He stated the deal hits third year with next season. And that the TNT will have to reach him out ASAP admitting they “screwed up”.

Emphasizing that under no circumstances will he take a pay cut, Barkley said, “they’re gonna have to say we guarantee the whole 210 or Charles Wade Barkley’s gonna be a free agent after next year.” However, the former Sixers star had bashed the NBA as well for allegedly backtracking on their contract with TNT.

“… owners and commissioners choose money over the fans”: Charles Barkley on the NBA and Amazon deal

As per the reports, the NBA has agreed on a 11-year, $76 billion deal with Disney (ABC/ESPN), NBC and Amazon effective from the commencement of season 2025-26. But TNT Sports decided it’s not giving up without a fight. The parent company for the network, Warner Bros., has filed a law-suit claiming the NBA “grossly misinterpreted our contractual rights”. 

Notably, the deal was to favor TNT if it matched Amazon’s offer, which they did. But the NBA still went the other way. Following this, even Barkley came down on the organization, stating the NBA always wanted to split from the TNT.

“It’s a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans…” Chuck added. He believes it’s all for the greed of the future, as only tech companies like Amazon will pay for the rights when they double in the future. The NBA didn’t want to piss them off, Charles Barkley claimed.

The overall outcome? You may as well have to wait until the verdict on TNT’s lawsuit comes out. And till the time, Chuck discloses all his cards on the table.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.