History of Charles Barkley in Timeline

Charles Barkley is a retired American professional basketball player and current television analyst. Known for his rebounding and scoring prowess despite being undersized for a power forward, he earned the nicknames "Sir Charles", "the Bread Truck", and "the Round Mound of Rebound." Barkley's NBA career spanned 16 seasons, during which he was an 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and the 1993 NBA MVP. He was also recognized as one of the NBA's greatest players, earning spots on the league's 50th and 75th anniversary teams.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

February 20, 1963: Charles Barkley's Birth

On February 20, 1963, Charles Wade Barkley was born. He would go on to become a professional basketball player and television analyst.

Others born on this day/year

1967: All-Star Game Record

In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain recorded 22 rebounds, which was the most rebounds in an All-Star Game until Charles Barkley matched it.

1974: 76ers failed to make the playoffs

For the first time since the 1974–75 season, the 76ers failed to make the playoffs, as Charles Barkley became the Sixers' franchise player.

1983: 76ers NBA Championship

In 1983, the Philadelphia 76ers had won the NBA Championship, a team Charles Barkley joined in 1984.

1984: Led Tigers to NCAA Tournament

In 1984, Charles Barkley led the Auburn Tigers to their first NCAA tournament in school history.

1984: Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers

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

1984: Olympic Team Cut

In 1984, Charles Barkley was invited by Bob Knight to try out for the United States men's basketball team for the Summer Olympics. He made it to the final cuts but was not selected for the team due to poor defense, according to Knight.

1984: SEC Player of the Year

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

1985: Named to All-Rookie First Team

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

November 4, 1986: Career High Assists

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

1986: Leading Rebounder and Offensive Dominance

In 1986, Charles Barkley began his reign as an offensive force, leading the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage. He also showcased versatility, scoring from various positions and establishing himself as a clutch player, beginning a run that lasted multiple seasons.

1986: Most Turnovers in a 7-Game Series

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

1986: Most Free Throw Attempts in a 7-Game Series

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

1986: Leading Rebounder in the NBA

In the 1986-87 season, Charles Barkley became the shortest player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding, averaging a career-high 14.6 rebounds per game.

1986: Led the league in rebounding average

In the 1986-87 season, Charles Barkley led the NBA in rebounding average, earning 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: Career High Offensive Rebounds

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

1987: NBA Offensive Dominance and Rebounding

In 1987, Charles Barkley showcased his offensive dominance, leading the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage. His exceptional skills set the foundation for his status as one of the league's premier clutch players, showcasing his versatility and scoring ability.

November 30, 1988: Productive Season

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

1988: NBA Offensive Dominance and Rebounding

In 1988, Charles Barkley continued his dominance by leading the league in effective field goal percentage and solidifying his status as a versatile scorer capable of performing in any position.

1989: MVP Voting Second Place

During the 1989–90 NBA season, Charles Barkley finished second in MVP voting behind Magic Johnson.

1989: Marriage to Maureen Blumhardt

In 1989, Charles Barkley married Maureen Blumhardt. The couple resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.

1989: NBA Offensive Dominance and Rebounding

In 1989, Charles Barkley was among the league leaders in offensive rating, confirming his status as a premier offensive talent and a versatile player.

1989: Birth of Daughter Christiana

In 1989, Charles Barkley's daughter, Christiana, was born. She was named after a mall in Delaware.

Others born on this day/year

1990: Dominance in Offensive Rating

In 1990, Charles Barkley was among the league leaders in offensive rating, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and efficient scorer, contributing to his legacy as a dominant force in the NBA.

1990: Fight with Bill Laimbeer

In 1990, Charles Barkley was involved in a fight with Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer, resulting in a $162,500 fine.

March 1991: Spitting Incident

In March 1991, Charles Barkley spat on a young girl while attempting to spit at a heckler, stirring national controversy.

March 26, 1991: Spitting Incident

On March 26, 1991, during a game versus the New Jersey Nets, Charles Barkley attempted to spit on a heckler, but hit a young girl, resulting in suspension and a fine.

1991: Honoring Magic Johnson

During 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.

1991: Collaboration on Autobiographical Work "Outrageous"

In 1991, Charles Barkley and sportswriter Roy S. Johnson collaborated on the autobiographical work "Outrageous". Due to editorial choices made by Johnson, Barkley famously quipped that he had been misquoted in his own autobiography.

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

Check it on Amazon

1991: Named All-Star Game MVP

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

July 17, 1992: Traded to the 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: Competed in the Olympic Games

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

1992: Trade to Phoenix and Olympics

In 1992, Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns, marking a successful transition for both parties. In addition, he joined the "Dream Team" and won a gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics, where international rules changed, allowing NBA players to compete for the first time.

1992: 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics

In 1992, Charles Barkley won a gold medal as part of the United States men's basketball "Dream Team" at the Barcelona Summer Olympics. He led both teams in scoring and was instrumental in helping the 1992 "Dream Team" and 1996 Men's Basketball team compile a perfect 16-0 record.

June 5, 1993: Most Free Throws Made in a Half

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

1993: First Hosting of Saturday Night Live

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

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1993: Role Model Controversy

In 1993, Charles Barkley declared that sports figures should not be considered role models, stirring national controversy.

1993: League MVP Honors

In 1993, Charles Barkley earned league MVP honors, cementing his reputation as a physical and dominant player known as "Sir Charles".

1993: Named NBA MVP

In 1993, Charles Barkley was voted the NBA's Most Valuable Player while playing for the Phoenix Suns and leading the team to the NBA Finals.

1993: I am not a role model

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, sparking debate and commentary from figures like Dan Quayle.

1993: McDonald's Open MVP and NBA Season

In 1993, despite back pain, Charles Barkley won the McDonald's Open in Germany and was named the tournament's MVP. During the 1993-94 NBA season, he averaged 21.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. He was selected to his eighth consecutive All-Star Game but did not play due to injury.

1995: Considered Running for Governor of Alabama as Republican

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

1995: Final Season with Phoenix Suns

In 1995-96, Charles Barkley played his last season with the Phoenix Suns, leading the team in scoring, rebounds, and steals. He earned his tenth All-Star Game appearance and achieved his 18th career triple-double on November 22nd. Barkley also reached 20,000 points and 10,000 rebounds in his career. In the postseason, Barkley averaged 25.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game in a four-game first round playoff loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

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. This altercation occurred after Oakley committed a flagrant foul on Barkley, leading to Barkley shoving Oakley.

1996: Atlanta Summer Olympic Games Performance

At the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, Charles Barkley led the United States men's basketball 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, and also contributed 6.6 rebounds per game, helping the team achieve a perfect 8-0 record and capture the gold medal.

1996: Appearance in Space Jam

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

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1996: Named to 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.

1996: Gold Medal at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics

In 1996, Charles Barkley won his second gold medal as a member of the United States men's basketball team at the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games. He led both teams in scoring and was instrumental in helping the 1992 "Dream Team" and 1996 Men's Basketball team compile a perfect 16-0 record.

1996: Won Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 1996, Charles Barkley won his second gold medal while competing in the Olympic Games as a member of the U.S. national team.

1997: Injury-Plagued Season with the Houston Rockets

The 1997-98 season was another injury-plagued year for Charles Barkley. He averaged 15.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. The Rockets ended the season with a 41–41 record and were eliminated in five games by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs.

1998: Considered Running for Governor of Alabama in the 1998 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 Los Angeles Lakers

On November 10, 1999, Charles Barkley was ejected from a game against the Los Angeles Lakers along with Shaquille O'Neal after O'Neal shoved Barkley, who then threw the ball at O'Neal.

December 8, 1999: Ruptured Quadriceps Tendon

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 Philadelphia.

April 19, 2000: Final Game and Retirement

On April 19, 2000, Charles Barkley returned for one final game against the Vancouver Grizzlies, scoring a memorable basket and retiring after sixteen years in the Hall of Fame.

2000: Retired from the NBA

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

2000: Foreword for Rick Reilly's Book

In 2000, Charles Barkley wrote the foreword for Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly's book "The Life of Reilly". In the foreword, Barkley humorously stated that Reilly wasn't someone he'd want to throw through a plate glass window.

Life of Reilly

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2000: Studio Analyst for TNT

Since 2000, Charles Barkley has worked as a studio analyst for Turner Network Television (TNT), appearing on NBA coverage, pre-game and halftime shows, and special NBA events. He is part of the Inside the NBA crew.

March 3, 2001: Auburn Retired Barkley's Jersey

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

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

Check it on Amazon

2002: Started hosting "Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson"

In 2002, Charles Barkley started hosting a sports and general topics talk show with guests on TNT called Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson.

2003: Continued hosting "Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson"

In 2003, Charles Barkley continued hosting a sports and general topics talk show with guests on TNT called Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson.

March 20, 2004: Phoenix Suns Honor 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 with the team.

2004: First Celebrity Guest Picker for College GameDay

In 2004, Charles Barkley was 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, 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 that he couldn't run until 2014 due to residency requirements.

2006: Expressed Support for Gay Marriage

In 2006, Charles Barkley told Fox Sports that he supported 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: Bought House in Alabama and Declared Independence

In September 2007, during a broadcast on Monday Night Football, 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: Gambling Debt at Wynn Las Vegas

In October 2007, Charles Barkley accumulated a $400,000 gambling debt at the Wynn Las Vegas casino, which led to a civil complaint being filed against him in May 2008.

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

In 2007, at the NBA All-Star Weekend, Charles Barkley raced NBA official Dick Bavetta for charity, after joking about Bavetta's age during a broadcast. Barkley won the race, and the event raised money for charity.

2007: Revealed Gambling Losses

In a 2007 interview with ESPN's Trey Wingo, Charles Barkley revealed that he had lost approximately $10 million through gambling and admitted to losing $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 Filed Civil Complaint

In May 2008, the Wynn Las Vegas casino filed a civil complaint against Charles Barkley, alleging that he failed to pay a $400,000 debt stemming from gambling losses in October 2007. Barkley promptly repaid the debt.

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: Supported Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.

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

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

On December 31, 2008, Charles Barkley was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, for drunk driving after being pulled over for running a stop sign. He failed field sobriety tests, refused a breath test but had a blood test, and was later charged with DUI-related counts and running a red light. His blood-alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit in Arizona. He was cooperative during the arrest.

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 addressed the incident and his experiences during the first segment of the NBA pregame show. T-Mobile also resumed airing ads featuring Barkley around this time.

November 24, 2009: Began Backing Off Gubernatorial Run Idea

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 Taking Money from Agents

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

2010: Confirmed Not Running 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 Homosexuals

During a 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Day double-header on TNT, Charles Barkley expressed his support for homosexuals and equality for every man and woman.

2011: Spokesman for WeightWatchers

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

2011: Studio Analyst for NCAA Tournament Coverage

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

January 7, 2012: Guest Commentator for NFL Wild Card Playoffs and Host of Saturday Night Live

On January 7, 2012, Charles Barkley served as a guest commentator for NBC's coverage of the NFL Wild Card playoffs. On the same night, he hosted Saturday Night Live.

November 2012: Contemplated Retirement from Broadcasting

In November 2012, Charles Barkley announced that he was contemplating retirement from broadcasting, after 13 years, stating he needed to find the next challenge for him.

2013: Expressed Agreement with Acquittal of George Zimmerman

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

2013: Commented on Jason Collins Coming Out

In 2013, in response to Celtics player Jason Collins coming out, Charles Barkley stated that anyone who thinks they never played with a gay player is an idiot.

2014: Commented on Accusation 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: Mention of 2014 Campaign for Governor

In September 2007, during a broadcast on Monday Night Football, Charles Barkley announced that he bought a house in Alabama to satisfy residency requirements for a 2014 campaign for governor.

2014: Planned 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.

August 2015: Announced Support for John Kasich

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

July 2016: Announcement of "The Race Card" Show

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

2016: Early criticism of Donald Trump.

As early as 2016, during the U.S. presidential election, Charles Barkley criticized Donald Trump's words and messages, expressing disgust before Trump even won the Republican primaries.

2016: Planned Broadcasting Retirement

In 2016, Charles Barkley had planned to retire, but later signed another contract with Turner Sports to continue his broadcasting career.

2016: Supported John Kasich in the 2016 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 TNT

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

August 2017: Response to Confederate monument controversy.

In August 2017, in response to the controversy surrounding the removal of Confederate monuments after the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, Charles Barkley shared his perspective on the situation.

September 2017: Criticism of President Trump's stance on Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protest.

In September 2017, Charles Barkley voiced his disappointment in President Trump for calling out Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, for kneeling during the U.S. National Anthem during the 2016 NFL season. It's worth noting that Barkley has also stated 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 satirized President Trump's tax bill, suggesting it primarily benefited the wealthy at the expense of 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. During Alabama's Senate election, Barkley argued that Jones' competitor, Roy Moore, should have been disqualified due to his association with a white separatist.

2018: Fourth Hosting of Saturday Night Live

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

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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 briefly trained as a prospective replacement for the departing Coach Mellor.

2019: Optimism about the NBA's planned restart to the 2019-2020 season in the NBA bubble

In 2019, Charles Barkley 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.

2019: Confirmed He Would Not Run for Office

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

2020: Concern about Sports Becoming Too Political

In 2020, Charles Barkley expressed concern that sports were becoming excessively political, stating that it risked becoming a circus and alienating viewers seeking entertainment.

2020: Views on School Safety and NBA Restart During COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Charles Barkley expressed concern about the safety of children returning to school, but also worried that keeping children at home would widen the gap between rich and poor. He 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.

2020: Views on Defunding the Police and the Breonna Taylor Case

In 2020, while supporting police and prison reforms, Charles Barkley spoke out against defunding the police, questioning who Black people would call for help otherwise. After Breonna Taylor's death, Barkley acknowledged the tragedy but highlighted that her boyfriend shot at the police, differentiating her case from those of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery.

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

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

2021: Improved Performance at American Century Championship

In 2021, Charles Barkley had an improved performance in the American Century Championship after undergoing training to improve his golf swing.

October 2022: Signed 10-Year Contract Extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports

In October 2022, Charles Barkley signed a 10-year contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, remaining as an analyst on Inside the NBA.

2022: Expressed Vehement Support for 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, stating "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: NBA Ranking

As of 2023, Charles Barkley has the 12th highest PER in NBA history and is 14th in win shares.

2023: Spoke out against Bud Light boycott.

In 2023, Charles Barkley spoke out against the Bud Light boycott in the United States, condemning the boycotters as "rednecks."

2023: Intention to Retire at 60

In 2023, Charles Barkley stated that he wanted to retire from broadcasting when he turned 60.

2023: Co-hosting "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.

June 2024: Announced Intention to Retire from Television

In June 2024, Charles Barkley announced his intention to retire from television after the 2024–25 NBA season, but later reversed this decision in August, deciding to stay with TNT Sports.