"Jordan on the Wizards era" - NBA fans jokingly jab at Charles Barkley for not retiring post-TNT media rights loss

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Fans react to Charles Barkley's decision not to retire after TNT lost its media rights (Image credits: Imagn)

Former star Charles Barkley reversed his decision to retire from television after TNT lost its NBA media rights to NBC. Back in June, Barkley expressed his willingness to move on from being an analyst and call it quits for his TV career. However, he backpedaled on his statement and has decided not to retire.

Barkley has always hinted at his desire to retire from his television career. After all, he's been in front of everyone's screens since 2000 as a member of Inside the NBA and has given the fans plenty of memorable moments. But Chuck might not be going anywhere after the 2024-25 NBA season.

According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, Barkley will finish his contract. The former Phoenix Suns star signed a 10-year, $210 million contract extension in October 2022.

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After fans found out about this, they couldn't resist but share their honest opinion on Barkley's decision. Here are some of what the fans have to say.

"Jordan on the Wizards era," a fan said.
"Never watchin nhl so he might as well just retire tbh," another fan said.
"Chuck emerges from his short lived Galveston vacation," one fan added.

Other fans were excited to find out that Barkley has decided not to retire.

"LFGGGG MORE SAN ANTONIO WOMEN SLANDER," one fan couldn't hide their excitement.
"I mean, he has a contract... But also, good for all of us. More Chuck screentime!" another fan reacted.
"Charles on MLB and NHL coverage sounds great," one fan stated.

With Barkley staying in TNT, fans might expect him to cover other sports after their deal with the NBA expires after next season.

Also read: "Don't think he's in good enough shape": Charles Barkley slams Joel Embiid for average Olympics performances


What will happen to Charles Barkley and the rest of the TNT crew?

As soon as the next season wraps, TNT will no longer broadcast NBA games, meaning that Inside the NBA could be in their final year together. The crew (composed of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson) have shared their plans for the future.

O'Neal is still signed to a deal with TNT and hasn't confirmed any of his plans since NBC's takeover. Smith, on the other hand, has remained quiet throughout all the updates regarding his show. Finally, for Johnson, it's been reported that he'll stay with TNT even if it means the end of their NBA coverage.

According to the New York Post, Johnson will continue his basketball coverage, only this time, for college basketball. He'll take on the lead studio role during March Madness and will do play-by-play for Major League Baseball broadcasts.

With that in mind, fans could see Barkley become an MBL broadcaster under TNT.

Also read: "I see no lies" - NBA fans weigh in on Charles Barkley's criticism of Joel Embiid being out of shape amid poor Olympic run

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Edited by Akshay Saraswat
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