Charles Barkley declares he won't retire from TNT, continues 10-year deal with sports network

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Charles Barkley has clarified about his supposed retirement.

The conic NBA star earlier announced his retirement from the TNT network within two years of signing a 10-year contract

“I love my TNT Sports family. My #1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible,” Barkley said in a statement.

“We have the most amazing people, and they are the best at what they do. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them both on the shows we currently have and new ones we develop together in the future. This is the only place for me," the former American basketball player said. 

He continued, “I have to say … I’ve been impressed by the leadership team who is fighting hard and have been aggressive in adding new properties to TNT Sports, which I am very excited about. I appreciate them and all of my colleagues for their continued support, and most importantly our fans. I’m going to give my all as we keep them entertained for years to come.”

NBA has decided to leave TNT network

The NBA is leaving TNT after next season for new deals with NBC and Amazon, and it has also renewed its rights with ESPN.

Meanwhile, WBD has decided to sue the NBA, intending to enforce a "matching rights" provision signed in their last contract.

TNT is trying to get a similar package as with Amazon, per the New York Post.

According to  Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Barkley’s 10-year deal with TNT is worth $210 million.

TNT Network praises Charles Barkley amid losing NBA

"[Charles Barkley] is one of the best and most beloved sportscasters in the history of television. I know I speak for all the members of the TNT Sports family when I say we are incredibly thrilled to share this mutual commitment to continue showcasing Charles’ one-of-a-kind talents and entertain fans well into the future,” TNT Sports chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser said in a statement.

“We continue to add to the breadth and depth of our sports portfolio — including new properties in the College Football Playoffs, Roland-Garros, NASCAR, BIG EAST college basketball, Mountain West football, among others – and it’s fantastic to have Charles for this journey as we develop new content ideas and shows for our fans.”