Charles Barkley Derailed A 10-Year NBA TV Agreement
Even though Charles Barkley has agreed to a 10-year extension on his NBA commentary contract with Warner Brothers Discovery, he has stated that he does not want to be employed in the television industry when his deal expires.
By the time he turns 70, Charles Barkley has no plans to continue hosting television shows.
Even though Charles Barkley has agreed to a 10-year extension on his NBA commentary contract with Warner Brothers Discovery, he has stated that he does not want to be employed in the television industry when his deal expires.
For TNT Sports’ coverage of the NBA, a position he has held for over 20 years, Barkley contributes commentary to the show “Inside the NBA.”
The ex-star of the Philadelphia 76ers, who is currently 60 years old, intends to stop providing commentary when he turns 70.
“They [WBD] wanted me to let people know I wasn’t leaving, like, next week.”
“There’s no chance I will be working when I’m 70. Zero.”
“But they said, ‘Hey, let’s just make people think you’re going to hang around.'”
Barkley told Sports Illustrated.
According to Barkley, The desire to retire will only last for a while. It makes sense that the former power forward would want to take a step back since he wants to spend time with his family and unwind as his spectacular career ends.
Charles Barkley added,
“The only thing that keeps me up at night is trying to figure out when’s the best time to walk away.”
“Because the one thing you don’t want to do is stay too long.”
“I never thought I’d see 60. And for me, I know that, and I don’t mean to be morbid, I’m not worried about death.”
“If I had to go tomorrow, man, I’ve had a good run. I think, for me, I don’t want to be working at the end of my life.”
In 1991, Barkley, an 11-time NBA All-Star, won the MVP honor before being named the league’s MVP in 1993 while playing for the Phoenix Suns. The 76ers retired the number 34 for the 6’6″ player, and the Suns gave him a Ring of Honor.
While working for TNT, Barkley, who has had a similarly successful broadcasting career, earned four Sports Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Studio Analyst.” He had previously thought about leaving his TV job in 2012.
