What’s next for TNT? That’s the question on Charles Barkley’s mind. With TNT’s NBA rights on the chopping block, and Disney, NBC, and Amazon stepping in with an 11-year deal, the network’s future in basketball coverage is in limbo. For over 20 years, Barkley has been the face of TNT’s NBA commentary, giving viewers his unfiltered takes. But as the network’s contract slips away, it’s clear that big changes are coming. Fortunately for Chuck, Michael Jordan’s advice from years ago still keeps his finances strong, even if his broadcasting career faces uncertainty.

Meanwhile, TNT has faced its own legal drama, reportedly going toe-to-toe with the NBA over a contract clause. They believed it allowed them to keep broadcasting rights if they matched Amazon’s offer—a battle they’ve fought hard but with dimming hope. The outcome? Tensions are running high, and the future looks as thin as a thread. Understandably, Barkley has been vocal about his frustrations.

At one point, Barkley even floated the idea of retiring completely from broadcasting, only to squash rumors of him joining a rival network shortly afterward. Today, he says he’s staying put with TNT, but he knows it may not mean the same thing it once did. Covering the NBA in the way TNT is known for, may no longer be possible. So, what’s the next move for them? Right now, nobody has a solid answer. Still, amid the whirlwind, Barkley’s own ventures seem unaffected and steady.

In fact, there’s big news for fans of Barkley’s signature sneaker line. In 2025, Nike plans to bring back his popular Air CB 34 shoe. The retro model, last seen in stores in 2016, is set to reappear in a crisp “Triple White” colorway, according to sneaker insider @sneakermarketro. The shoe’s return, anticipated as early as July, revives a piece of ’90s basketball nostalgia, something Barkley’s fans have been waiting on for years.

While the Air CB 34 doesn’t carry the flashier features of some of Barkley’s other shoes, it’s got its own place in sneaker culture. Its design is a nod to the commercial where Barkley went toe-to-toe with Godzilla. With its unique midsole crafted to resemble the monster’s foot, the Air CB 34 is unmistakably “Sir Charles”—bold, memorable, and a tribute to the Barkley brand.

How Michael Jordan’s advice is still paying off for Charles Barkley?

For Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley, the NBA has been a lifelong stage, starting with their famous entry in the 1984 Draft class alongside legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and John Stockton. Selected third and fifth overall, respectively, Jordan and Barkley quickly became household names—and Nike was waiting to snag them as the brand’s first big endorsers.

During contract talks, Jordan spotted an opportunity in Barkley’s Nike deal that would end up being life-changing. “He says, ‘Hey man, why you need all that money?’” Barkley recalls. “He says, ‘Tell Nike you want a million and the rest in stock options.’ I said, this dude’s the GOAT—let’s do it.” That advice not only changed Barkley’s finances, but secured his future with Nike.

The decision to go for stock options was risky for both players. But with Nike’s explosive growth, it was worth it, turning their contracts into massive paydays over the years. What looked like a gamble became a golden ticket as Nike evolved into a global powerhouse.

Today, Jordan is a billionaire, and Barkley isn’t far behind, thanks in part to that wise advice. “I actually made probably 10 times the amount of money. And I’m still with Nike to this day,” Barkley revealed.