History of Charles Barkley in Timeline

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Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley, nicknamed "Sir Charles", is a retired American professional basketball player and current television analyst. He played 16 seasons in the NBA, primarily as a power forward, despite being shorter than average for the position. Known for his rebounding and scoring prowess, Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team selection, and the 1993 NBA MVP. He was also named to the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's greats.

1956: Surpassed by 1956 U.S. Olympic team

Charles Barkley's 1992 olympic team averaged an Olympic record of 117.3 points a game and won games by an average of 43.8 points, only surpassed by the 1956 U.S. Olympic team.

February 20, 1963: Charles Barkley Born

On February 20, 1963, Charles Wade Barkley was born. He later became a professional basketball player and a television analyst for TNT and CBS Sports.

Others born on this day/year

1967: Most rebounds in an All-Star Game since 1967

In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain recorded 22 rebounds in an All-Star game.

1974: 76ers failed to make the playoffs

For the first time since the 1974-75 season, the 76ers failed to make the playoffs.

1976: First NBA Finals appearance since 1976

In 1992-1993, Charles Barkley led Phoenix to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1976.

1983: 76ers won NBA championship

In 1983, prior to Barkley joining the team, the Philadelphia 76ers won the NBA championship.

1984: Led Auburn to First NCAA Tournament

In 1984, Charles Barkley led the Auburn Tigers to their first NCAA tournament in school history, finishing with 23 points and 17 rebounds in the game.

1984: SEC Player of the Year

In 1984, Charles Barkley received the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year award during his college career at Auburn University.

1984: Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers

In 1984, Charles Barkley was drafted as a junior out of Auburn University by the Philadelphia 76ers with the fifth pick of the NBA draft.

1984: Cut from Olympic Team Due to Poor Defense

In 1984, Charles Barkley was invited to try out for the United States men's basketball team for the Summer Olympics. Despite performing well, he was cut from the team due to concerns about his defense, according to coach Bob Knight.

1984: Cut from U.S. Olympic Team

In 1984, Charles Barkley was one of the final cuts from the U.S. Olympic team after making the initial cut in April.

1985: Named to the All-Rookie First Team

In 1985, during his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers, Charles Barkley was named to the All-Rookie First Team.

November 4, 1986: Recorded Career High Assists

On November 4, 1986, Charles Barkley recorded 34 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 14 assists in a 125–121 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

1986: Most free throw attempts in a 7-game series

In 1986, Charles Barkley achieved the record for the most free throw attempts in a 7-game series with 100, while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.

1986: NBA Leading in 2-Point Field Goal Percentage

In 1986, Charles Barkley began a streak of leading the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage, achieving this feat every season from 1986-87 to 1990-91.

1986: Most turnovers in a 7-game series

In 1986, Charles Barkley recorded the most turnovers in a 7-game series with 37, while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Milwaukee Bucks during the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.

1986: Led the NBA in Rebounding

In 1986-87 season, Charles Barkley led the NBA in rebounding, averaging a career-high 14.6 rebounds per game and becoming the shortest player in NBA history to achieve this.

1986: Led the league in rebounding average

In the 1986-87 NBA season, Charles Barkley led the league in rebounding average and earned his first rebounding title.

March 4, 1987: Most offensive rebounds in a half

On March 4, 1987, Charles Barkley achieved the record for the most offensive rebounds in a half with 13, while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks.

March 20, 1987: Recorded 25 Rebounds

On March 20, 1987, Charles Barkley recorded 26 points, 25 rebounds (including a career-high-tying 16 offensive rebounds), and nine assists in a 116–106 win over the Denver Nuggets.

1987: NBA Leading in Effective Field Goal Percentage

In 1987, Charles Barkley led the league in effective field goal percentage for the 1986–87 season.

November 30, 1988: Recorded 41 points, 22 rebounds and 6 steals

On November 30, 1988, Charles Barkley recorded 41 points, 22 rebounds, five assists, and six steals in a 114–106 win over the Blazers.

1988: NBA Leading in Effective Field Goal Percentage

In 1988, Charles Barkley led the league in effective field goal percentage for the 1987–88 season.

1989: Finished second in MVP voting

During the 1989–90 NBA season, Charles Barkley finished second in MVP voting behind the Los Angeles Lakers' Magic Johnson despite receiving more first-place votes.

1989: NBA Leading in Offensive Rating

In 1989, Charles Barkley led the league in offensive rating for the 1988–89 season.

1989: Marriage to Maureen Blumhardt

In 1989, Charles Barkley married Maureen Blumhardt, whom he reportedly met in the mid to late 1980s when he was playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.

1989: Birth of daughter Christiana

In 1989, Charles Barkley's daughter Christiana was born. Barkley said she was named after a mall called Christiana Mall in Delaware.

1990: Fight with Bill Laimbeer

In 1990, Charles Barkley had a fight with Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer, which resulted in a record total of $162,500 in fines.

1990: NBA Leading in Offensive Rating

In 1990, Charles Barkley led the league in offensive rating for the 1989–90 season.

March 1991: Spitting Incident

In March 1991, Charles Barkley stirred controversy when he spat on a young girl while attempting to spit at a heckler.

March 26, 1991: Spitting Incident

On March 26, 1991, during a game against the New Jersey Nets, Charles Barkley attempted to spit on a heckler but accidentally hit a young girl. He was suspended and fined by the NBA, leading to a national controversy.

1991: Collaboration on autobiography 'Outrageous'

In 1991, Charles Barkley collaborated with sportswriter Roy S. Johnson on his autobiographical work, 'Outrageous'. The editorial choices led Barkley to quip that he was misquoted in his own autobiography.

Outrageous!: The Fine Life and Flagrant Good Times of Basketball's Irresistible Force
Outrageous!: The Fine Life and Flagrant Good Times of Basketball's Irresistible Force

1991: Named All-Star Game MVP

In 1991, Charles Barkley was named the All-Star Game MVP.

1991: Wore Number 32 to Honor Magic Johnson

In the 1991-92 season, Charles Barkley wore number 32 instead of his usual 34 to honor Magic Johnson, who had announced he was HIV-positive. He also apologized for making light of Johnson's condition and responded to concerns about contracting HIV by contact during games.

July 17, 1992: Traded to Phoenix Suns

On July 17, 1992, Charles Barkley was officially traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry, and Andrew Lang.

1992: Olympic Debut and Gold Medal Win

In 1992, Charles Barkley competed in the Olympic Games for the first time after international rules changed, allowing NBA players to participate. He won a gold medal as a member of the United States men's basketball "Dream Team".

1992: Competed in the Olympic Games

In 1992, Charles Barkley competed in the Olympic Games, winning a gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team.

1992: Gold medal as part of the "Dream Team"

In 1992, Charles Barkley earned a gold medal as a member of the United States Olympic Basketball team.

1992: Trade to Phoenix Suns and Olympic Appearance

In 1992, Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns, marking a successful transition for both parties. Additionally, international rules changed, allowing NBA players like Barkley to compete in the Olympics for the first time, where he joined the "Dream Team".

June 5, 1993: Most free throws made in a half

On June 5, 1993, Charles Barkley set the record for the most free throws made in a half with 19, playing for the Phoenix Suns against the Seattle SuperSonics.

1993: First time hosting 'Saturday Night Live'

Charles Barkley hosted 'Saturday Night Live' for the first time in 1993.

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1993: League MVP Honors

In 1993, Charles Barkley earned league MVP honors.

1993: Role Model Controversy

In 1993, Charles Barkley stated that sports figures should not be considered role models, sparking a national controversy.

1993: Named NBA MVP

In 1993, Charles Barkley was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).

1993: "I am not a role model" Nike Commercial

In 1993, Charles Barkley's argument that athletes should not be considered role models prompted national news when he wrote the text for his "I am not a role model" Nike commercial. Dan Quayle, the former Vice President of the United States, called it a "family-values message".

1993: McDonald's Open MVP and Injury Struggles

In 1993, despite facing severe back pain, Charles Barkley began the 1993-94 season by winning the McDonald's Open in Germany and being named the tournament's MVP. He also played in the NBA, battling injuries, including a torn right quadriceps tendon.

1993: Voted League MVP and Led Suns to NBA Finals

In 1993, while playing for the Phoenix Suns, Charles Barkley was voted the league's MVP and led the team to the NBA Finals.

1995: Considered running for Alabama's governorship

In 1995, Charles Barkley considered running as a Republican candidate for Alabama's governorship in the 1998 election.

1995: Final Season with the Phoenix Suns

In 1995, Charles Barkley played his last season with the Phoenix Suns, leading the team in scoring, rebounds, and steals. He achieved his tenth All-Star Game appearance and recorded his 18th career triple-double on November 22, 1995. He was then traded to Houston after the Suns closed out the season with a 41–41 record.

October 25, 1996: Suspension and Fine for Fighting

On October 25, 1996, Charles Barkley was suspended for the season opener and fined $5,000 for fighting Charles Oakley during a preseason game. Barkley responded by shoving Oakley after Oakley committed a flagrant foul on him.

1996: Led Team in Scoring, Rebounds and Field Goal Percentage at the 1996 Olympics

At the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, Barkley led the team in scoring, rebounds, and field goal percentage. He averaged 12.4 points on 81.6% field goal shooting, setting a U.S. Men's Olympic record.

1996: Second Olympic Gold Medal

Charles Barkley wins his second gold medal at the Olympic games in 1996.

1996: Appearance in the film 'Space Jam'

In 1996, Charles Barkley played himself in the film 'Space Jam'.

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1996: Named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team

In 1996, Charles Barkley was honored as one of the 50 greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team, as part of the NBA's 50th Anniversary.

1997: Injury-Plagued Season with the Houston Rockets

The 1997-98 season was another injury-plagued year for Charles Barkley. The Rockets were eliminated in five games by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs.

1998: Potential Alabama's governorship election

In 1995, Charles Barkley considered running as a Republican candidate for Alabama's governorship in the 1998 election.

November 10, 1999: Ejection from game against Lakers

On November 10, 1999, Charles Barkley was ejected from a game against the Los Angeles Lakers along with Shaquille O'Neal after a physical altercation.

December 8, 1999: Quadriceps Tendon Rupture

On December 8, 1999, Charles Barkley's season and career seemingly ended prematurely at the age of 36 after rupturing his left quadriceps tendon in a game in Philadelphia.

April 19, 2000: Final Game and Retirement

On April 19, 2000, Charles Barkley returned for one final game against the Vancouver Grizzlies. He scored a memorable basket and then retired, concluding his sixteen-year Hall of Fame career and walking off the court on his own terms.

2000: Retired from the NBA

In 2000, Charles Barkley retired as the fourth player in NBA history to achieve 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists.

2000: Foreword for 'The Life of Reilly'

In 2000, Charles Barkley wrote the foreword for Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly's book 'The Life of Reilly', where he humorously commented on throwing Reilly through a plate glass window.

Life of Reilly
Life of Reilly

2000: Studio analyst for TNT

Since 2000, Charles Barkley has worked as a studio analyst for Turner Network Television (TNT), appearing on NBA coverage during pre-game and halftime shows, as well as special NBA events, and winning five Sports Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Studio Analyst" for his work on TNT.

March 3, 2001: Auburn Retired No. 34 Jersey

On March 3, 2001, Auburn retired Charles Barkley's No. 34 jersey.

2002: Hosted "Listen Up!"

From 2002 to 2003, Charles Barkley co-hosted "Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson" on TNT, a sports and general topics talk show with guests.

2002: Release of the book 'I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It'

In 2002, Charles Barkley released the book 'I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It', which included editing and commentary by Michael Wilbon.

I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It
I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It

2003: Hosted "Listen Up!"

From 2002 to 2003, Charles Barkley co-hosted "Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson" on TNT, a sports and general topics talk show with guests.

March 20, 2004: Phoenix Suns honored Barkley in "Suns Ring of Honor"

On March 20, 2004, the Phoenix Suns honored Charles Barkley by including him in the "Suns Ring of Honor" in recognition of his achievements.

2004: Celebrity guest picker for College GameDay

In 2004, Charles Barkley became the first-ever celebrity guest picker for College GameDay.

July 2006: Considered running for Governor of Alabama

At a July 2006 meeting of the Southern Regional Conference of the National School Boards Association in Destin, Florida, Charles Barkley lent credence to the idea of running for Governor of Alabama.

September 2006: Reiterated desire to run for governor

In September 2006, Charles Barkley reiterated his desire to run for governor of Alabama, noting he couldn't run until 2014 due to residency requirements.

2006: Advocated for gay marriage

In 2006, Charles Barkley told Fox Sports that he is a big advocate of gay marriage, stating "If they want to get married, God bless them."

2006: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2006, Charles Barkley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career.

July 2007: Declared support for Barack Obama

In July 2007, Charles Barkley made a video declaring his support for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.

September 2007: Announced house purchase in Alabama and declared himself Independent

In September 2007, Charles Barkley announced that he bought a house in Alabama to satisfy residency requirements for a 2014 campaign for governor and declared himself an Independent.

October 2007: Casino Debt

In October 2007, Charles Barkley incurred a $400,000 debt at Wynn Las Vegas casino, which led to a civil complaint filed against him in May 2008 for failure to pay.

2007: Race against Dick Bavetta at NBA All-Star Weekend

In 2007, Charles Barkley challenged NBA official Dick Bavetta to a footrace at the NBA All-Star Weekend for $5,000, which was donated to charity, with the NBA and TNT contributing additional funds; Barkley won the race and kissed Bavetta in a show of good sportsmanship.

2007: Gambling losses revealed

In a 2007 interview with ESPN's Trey Wingo, Charles Barkley revealed that he had lost approximately $10 million through gambling, including $2.5 million "in a six-hour period" while playing blackjack.

February 2008: Announced run for Governor of Alabama in 2014

In February 2008, Charles Barkley announced that he would be running for Governor of Alabama in 2014 as an Independent.

May 2008: Wynn Las Vegas casino lawsuit

In May 2008, the Wynn Las Vegas casino filed a civil complaint against Charles Barkley, alleging he failed to pay a $400,000 debt stemming from October 2007; Barkley promptly paid the casino and vowed to stop gambling for a year or two.

October 27, 2008: Announced candidacy for Governor of Alabama

On October 27, 2008, Charles Barkley officially announced his candidacy for Governor of Alabama in an interview with CNN, planning to run in the 2014 election cycle.

2008: Declared support for Barack Obama

In July 2007, Charles Barkley made a video declaring his support for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.

December 31, 2008: Arrested for DUI in Scottsdale, Arizona

On December 31, 2008, Charles Barkley was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona for driving under the influence after being pulled over for running a stop sign and failing field sobriety tests. His blood-alcohol level was .149, nearly twice the legal limit in Arizona. He later pleaded guilty to DUI-related counts and running a red light.

February 19, 2009: Return to TNT after DUI hiatus

On February 19, 2009, Charles Barkley returned to TNT after taking a two-month hiatus following his DUI arrest. He discussed the incident and his experiences during the first segment of the NBA pregame show.

November 24, 2009: Began backing off the idea of running for governor

On November 24, 2009, Charles Barkley began to back off the idea of running for Governor of Alabama during an interview on The Jay Leno Show.

2010: Admitted to Receiving Money from Agents

In 2010, Charles Barkley admitted that he had asked for and received money from sports agents during his time at Auburn.

2010: Confirmed not running for governor in 2014

In 2010, Charles Barkley confirmed that he was not running for Governor of Alabama in 2014.

2010: Inducted into Hall of Fame as part of 'Dream Team'

In 2010, Charles Barkley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team".

2011: Expressed support for LGBTQ+ equality on MLK Day

During a 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Day double-header on TNT, Charles Barkley responded to a statement made by Dr. King's daughter Bernice, by saying, "People try to make it about black and white. [But] he talked about equality for every man, every woman. We have a thing going on now, people discriminating against homosexuality in this country. I love the homosexuality people. God bless the gay people. They are great people."

2011: Spokesman for WeightWatchers

In 2011, Charles Barkley became a spokesman for WeightWatchers, promoting their "Lose Like a Man" program and appearing in television and online ads.

2011: Studio analyst for NCAA Tournament coverage

Since 2011, Charles Barkley has worked as a studio analyst for the joint coverage of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament between Turner Sports and CBS, broadcasting every Final Four since 2011.

January 7, 2012: Guest commentator for NFL Wild Card playoffs and host of SNL

On January 7, 2012, Charles Barkley served as a guest commentator for NBC's coverage of the NFL Wild Card playoffs, and on the same night, he hosted Saturday Night Live which is taped next door to the Football Night in America studio in Manhattan's GE Building.

November 2012: Contemplated retirement from broadcasting

In November 2012, Charles Barkley announced that he was contemplating retirement from broadcasting after 13 years, potentially at the end of his contract, citing a need for a new challenge.

2013: Expressed agreement with George Zimmerman's acquittal

In 2013, Charles Barkley expressed his agreement with the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin shooting.

2013: Stated he believed everyone played with a gay player

In 2013, in response to Celtics player Jason Collins coming out, Charles Barkley stated, “I think anybody who thinks they never played with a gay player is an idiot."

2014: Commented on accusations against Russell Wilson

In 2014, Charles Barkley was asked about the rumor that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was being accused for not being "black enough" on the radio show Afternoons with Anthony and Rob Ellis.

2014: Planned to run for Governor of Alabama

In February 2008, Charles Barkley announced that he would be running for Governor of Alabama in 2014 as an Independent.

2014: Potential Alabama's governorship election

In September 2007, Charles Barkley announced that he bought a house in Alabama to satisfy residency requirements for a 2014 campaign for governor and declared himself an Independent.

August 2015: Supported John Kasich in presidential election

In August 2015, Charles Barkley announced his support for Republican John Kasich in the 2016 presidential election.

July 2016: Announcement of unscripted show "The Race Card"

In July 2016, it was announced that Charles Barkley would host a six-episode unscripted show called The Race Card, which was later renamed American Race.

2016: Initial plan to retire

In 2016, Charles Barkley had initially planned to retire from broadcasting but instead signed another contract with Turner Sports.

2016: Disgust towards Trump's presidential campaign messages

In 2016, before Donald Trump won the Republican primaries, Charles Barkley expressed disgust towards the words and messages that Trump was promoting throughout the presidential race.

2016: Supported John Kasich in presidential election

In August 2015, Charles Barkley announced his support for Republican John Kasich in the 2016 presidential election.

May 11, 2017: Premiere of American Race

On May 11, 2017, Charles Barkley's six-episode unscripted show, originally called The Race Card, premiered on TNT under the new name American Race.

August 2017: Response to Confederate monument controversy

In August 2017, Charles Barkley responded to the controversy generated by the removal of Confederate monuments after the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

September 2017: Criticism of President Trump

In September 2017, Charles Barkley expressed disappointment in President Trump for calling out Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the U.S. National Anthem during the 2016 NFL season. Barkley clarified that he does not support athletes kneeling during the National Anthem as a form of protest.

December 2017: Mocking President Trump's Tax Bill

In December 2017, Charles Barkley mocked President Trump's tax bill, stating that it favored the rich and disadvantaged the poor.

2017: Support for Doug Jones in Alabama Senate election

In 2017, Charles Barkley supported Democrat Doug Jones in the United States Senate special election in Alabama, arguing that Jones' competitor, Roy Moore, should have been disqualified due to his association with a white separatist.

2018: Fourth time hosting 'Saturday Night Live'

Charles Barkley hosted 'Saturday Night Live' for the fourth time in 2018.

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2019: Appearance on 'The Goldbergs'

In 2019, Charles Barkley appeared in "The Piña Colada Song" episode of 'The Goldbergs' as a gym teacher and alien conspiracy theorist.

2019: NBA season restart concerns

In 2019, Charles Barkley voiced his concerns about the NBA's planned restart to the 2019-2020 season within the NBA bubble, expressing worries about players testing positive for COVID-19.

2019: Confirmed not running for office

On Lance Armstrong's podcast in 2019, Charles Barkley confirmed that he would not be running for office.

2020: Concern over sports becoming too political

In 2020, Charles Barkley expressed concern that sports were becoming too political, fearing it would turn into a circus and create constant arguments for viewers.

2020: Comments on defunding the police and Breonna Taylor

In 2020, While supporting police and prison reforms, Charles Barkley spoke out against defunding the police. After the killing of Breonna Taylor, Barkley said that he felt sad about her death but added that her boyfriend shot at the cops and shot a cop, making her situation not "like George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery".

2020: Comments on COVID-19 and NBA restart

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Charles Barkley stated that it would be foolish to think kids would be safe in school, but also argued that keeping children at home would widen the gap between the rich and the poor. He also expressed optimism about the NBA's planned restart to the 2019-2020 season in the NBA bubble but worried about some players testing positive for COVID-19.

October 2021: Named to NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Charles Barkley was honored as one of the 75 greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, as part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary celebration.

2021: Improved performance at American Century Championship

In 2021, after undergoing training to improve his golf swing, Charles Barkley demonstrated improved performance at the American Century Championship pro-am tournament.

October 2022: Signed contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports

In October 2022, Charles Barkley signed a 10-year contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, the owner of TNT, to continue working as an analyst on Inside the NBA.

2022: Expressed vehement support for the LGBT community

In 2022, a video surfaced of Charles Barkley speaking at an event where he made comments vehemently in favor of the LGBT community: "I want to say this. If you're gay and transgender, I love you. And if anybody gives you sh-t, you tell them Charles said 'f--k you.'"

2023: 12th Highest PER in NBA History

As of 2023, Charles Barkley has the 12th highest PER in NBA history.

2023: Intended retirement date

Charles Barkley stated that he initially wanted to retire in 2023, when he turned 60 years old, but he later signed a contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to remain as an analyst on Inside the NBA.

2023: Spoke out against Bud Light boycott

In 2023, Charles Barkley spoke out against the Bud Light boycott in the United States, mainly by conservatives who oppose the brand's endorsements by transgender actress Dylan Mulvaney; he said that he would buy Bud Light for the crowd at a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, and condemned the boycotters as "rednecks".

2023: Co-hosted "King Charles" on CNN

In the fall of 2023, Charles Barkley began co-hosting a news discussion program called King Charles alongside Gayle King on CNN. King Charles ended in April the following year.

June 2024: Announced intention to retire from television

In June 2024, Charles Barkley announced his intention to retire from television following the conclusion of the 2024–25 NBA season but later reversed this decision in August, opting to stay with TNT Sports on his ten-year, $210 million contract.

June 2024: Guest analyst for Stanley Cup Finals

In June 2024, Charles Barkley was a guest studio analyst for Game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals, which was broadcast by ABC and produced by ESPN.