Hannah Storm Asks Charles Barkley About Joining Another Network

Is there any chance that Charles Barkley would consider working for another network?

Barkley, who’s participating in the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship Tournament in South Lake Tahoe, recently sat down with Hannah Storm on SportsCenter. As it appears that Turner will not be included in the NBA’s new media rights deal beginning in the 2025-26 season, Storm asked Barkley if he would ever contemplate working for another network.

“I can’t imagine a world in which I don’t see you on a regular basis talking hoops,” Storm mentioned. “But you have said that if, Inside the NBA, if this is over — after next season — you’ve said you’re going to retire from TV. Is there anything that you can envision that would change your mind?”

Barkley remained firm.

“Not really, Hannah. I’ve been so honored and blessed by the NBA. You know, I’ve had a great life. I’ve never had a real job. But my heart and soul is with Turner. Dick Ebersol, my mentor, he told me I made a great decision going to Turner. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, other than going to Auburn.”

Barkley then clarified that he doesn’t see himself working with new people, including those in front of the camera, like his longtime Inside the NBA co-host Ernie Johnson, as well as the hard-working crew behind the scenes.

“I’ve been on television for 24 years. Next year will be 25. And I’ll be 62 years old. I just don’t see myself — No. 1, Ernie would not go. But also, just going to another network and having to learn all the people behind the scenes. Because they work harder than anybody. And I just don’t see myself going and trying to break in with a new crew. That’s the honest truth.”