"Sir Charles" or "the Round Mound of Rebound," Charles Barkley, is a renowned figure in basketball. Despite being shorter than most power forwards, his strength and aggression made him a top rebounder and scorer during his 16 seasons in the NBA. An 11-time NBA All-Star and MVP, Barkley's legacy as one of the greatest power forwards is cemented by his inclusion in the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams. Currently, he works as a television analyst for TNT and CBS Sports.
1956: U.S. Men's Olympic Team Record
The 1956 U.S. Olympic basketball team set a record for the largest average margin of victory, which remained unmatched until the 1992 "Dream Team," of which Barkley was a part.
February 20, 1963: Birth of Charles Barkley
On February 20, 1963, Charles Wade Barkley was born. He would go on to become a renowned figure in basketball.
1967: Wilt Chamberlain's All-Star Record
In the 1967 NBA All-Star Game, Wilt Chamberlain set a record with 22 rebounds, a feat that stood until Charles Barkley matched it in 1991.
1974: 76ers Miss Playoffs After 14 Years
In a notable downturn, the 76ers failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since the 1974-75 season, marking a significant change in the team's performance.
1976: Suns' Previous Finals Appearance
The Phoenix Suns, led by Charles Barkley in 1992-93, reached their first NBA Finals since 1976, marking a significant moment for the franchise.
1983: Philadelphia 76ers Win NBA Championship
The year before Barkley's arrival, the Philadelphia 76ers, with key players like Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and Maurice Cheeks, clinched the NBA Championship in 1983.
1984: Charles Barkley's NBA Draft
Charles Barkley was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the fifth pick in the 1984 NBA draft, after finishing his junior year at Auburn University.
1984: Barkley Wins SEC Player of the Year
Charles Barkley was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year in 1984, marking a high point in his college basketball career.
1984: Barkley Leads Auburn to First NCAA Tournament Appearance
In 1984, Charles Barkley played a key role in leading the Auburn Tigers to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament, a historic achievement for the university.
1984: Barkley Tries Out for the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team
In 1984, Charles Barkley was among the 74 college players invited to try out for the U.S. Olympic basketball team. Although he made the initial cut, he was released in the penultimate round.
1984: Olympic Tryouts and Cut
In 1984, Charles Barkley's pursuit of Olympic glory fell short when he was cut from the United States men's basketball team. Despite outplaying most front-court players during tryouts, his perceived defensive weaknesses led to his exclusion, as stated by Coach Bob Knight. This setback served as a motivating factor for Barkley, fueling his desire to prove himself on the international stage.
1984: Barkley Joins the Philadelphia 76ers
Starting his NBA journey, Charles Barkley joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 1984 after being drafted as the fifth pick. He began playing alongside established players such as Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and Maurice Cheeks.
1985: Barkley Named to NBA All-Rookie First Team
In 1985, after a successful rookie season, Barkley was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
November 4, 1986: Barkley's Career-High in Assists
On November 4, 1986, during a game against the Indiana Pacers, Barkley achieved a career-high of 14 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities alongside his scoring and rebounding prowess.
1986: Turnovers in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
In the 1986 Eastern Conference Semi-finals, Barkley also set a record for the most turnovers in a 7-game series with 37.
1986: Barkley Leads the League in Rebounding
During the 1986-1987 season, Barkley achieved the title for the league's highest rebounding average, earning him his first rebounding title.
1986: Setting Records in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
During the 1986 Eastern Conference Semi-finals, Barkley set a record for most free throw attempts in a 7-game series with 100, showcasing his aggressive playing style.
1986: Start of Dominant Scoring Streak
Charles Barkley began a streak of leading the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage in 1986, showcasing his offensive prowess.
1986: Record-Breaking Rebounding Season
Charles Barkley achieved a career-high average of 14.6 rebounds per game in 1986, becoming the shortest player to lead the league in rebounding.
March 4, 1987: Record-Breaking Rebounding Performance
Charles Barkley set a record for most offensive rebounds in a half with 13 against the New York Knicks on March 4, 1987, showcasing his dominance on the boards.
March 20, 1987: Barkley's Dominant Performance Against the Nuggets
On March 20, 1987, Barkley delivered a remarkable performance with 26 points, 25 rebounds (matching his career-high), and nine assists against the Denver Nuggets.
1987: Leading Scorer and Efficient Offensive Force
Barkley continued to excel as a scorer in 1987, leading the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage and effective field goal percentage.
November 30, 1988: Barkley's Impressive Performance Against the Blazers
On November 30, 1988, Charles Barkley showcased an impressive performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring 41 points, grabbing 22 rebounds, and contributing five assists and six steals.
1988: Dominating Offensive Performance and League Leader
In 1988, Barkley continued to showcase his offensive dominance, leading the league in effective field goal percentage and offensive rating.
1989: Offensive Powerhouse and Clutch Player
Barkley solidified his reputation as a versatile and accurate scorer, excelling in various offensive categories in 1989.
1989: Marriage to Maureen Blumhardt
Charles Barkley married Maureen Blumhardt in 1989. They reportedly met in the mid to late 1980s when Barkley was playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.
1989: Birth of daughter, Christiana
Charles Barkley's daughter, Christiana, was born in 1989. Barkley shared that her name was inspired by the Christiana Mall in Delaware.
1989: Barkley's MVP Bid and Playoff Run
In 1989, Charles Barkley had an incredible season, finishing second in MVP voting to Magic Johnson despite receiving more first-place votes. He achieved a career-high .600 shooting percentage and led the Philadelphia Sixers to 53 wins, eventually losing to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
1990: Continued Scoring Dominance and Career-High Season Average
Barkley continued to lead the league in various offensive categories, including a career-high season average of 60% from the field in 1990.
1990: Barkley's On-Court Altercation with Bill Laimbeer
In 1990, Charles Barkley's aggressive playing style led to a significant on-court fight with Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer. This altercation resulted in a record-breaking $162,500 fine, highlighting the consequences of Barkley's sometimes-volatile on-court demeanor.
March 1991: Barkley's Spitting Incident
In March 1991, Barkley was involved in a controversial incident where he spat on a young girl while aiming at a heckler, sparking widespread criticism.
March 26, 1991: Barkley's Spitting Incident and Subsequent Apology
On March 26, 1991, during a game, Charles Barkley attempted to spit on a heckling fan but accidentally hit a young girl. The incident sparked national controversy, leading to a suspension and fine for Barkley. He later apologized to the girl and her family, building a friendship with them.
1991: Barkley Honors Magic Johnson, Addresses HIV Concerns
During the 1991-92 season, Charles Barkley wore number 32 to honor Magic Johnson after Johnson's HIV diagnosis. Barkley also publicly apologized for previous insensitive remarks, aiming to alleviate fears about HIV transmission among players.
1991: Barkley Named All-Star Game MVP
In 1991, Charles Barkley was named the Most Valuable Player of the NBA All-Star Game.
1991: Barkley Publishes Autobiography "Outrageous"
In 1991, Barkley collaborated with sportswriter Roy S. Johnson on his autobiography, "Outrageous", though he later humorously remarked about being misquoted in his own life story due to Johnson's editorial choices.
July 17, 1992: Charles Barkley Traded to Phoenix Suns
On July 17, 1992, after eight seasons with the Philadelphia Sixers, Charles Barkley was officially traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry, and Andrew Lang. This trade marked the end of Barkley's tenure with the Sixers and a new chapter in his NBA career.
1992: Barkley Wins Olympic Gold with the "Dream Team"
As part of the celebrated "Dream Team", Charles Barkley won his first Olympic gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games.
1992: Olympic Gold and "Dream Team" Dominance
As part of the legendary "Dream Team," Barkley won an Olympic gold medal, leading the team in scoring and contributing to their undefeated record.
1992: The "Dream Team" and Olympic Gold
In 1992, Charles Barkley finally got his chance to represent the United States in the Olympic Games. As part of the legendary "Dream Team," he showcased his skills on the international stage. The team's dominance was evident in their undefeated run and record-breaking performances. Barkley's standout performance included setting a then-Olympic single-game scoring record.
1992: Barkley Wins MVP, Leads Suns to Finals
In the 1992-93 season, after being traded to the Phoenix Suns, Barkley thrived, winning the NBA Most Valuable Player award and leading the Suns to a franchise-best 62-20 record and their first NBA Finals appearance since 1976.
June 5, 1993: Free Throw Prowess on Display
Barkley demonstrated his accuracy from the free-throw line by making a record-setting 19 free throws in a half against the Seattle SuperSonics on June 5, 1993.
1993: Barkley's Statement on Role Models
Barkley ignited controversy in 1993 by asserting that athletes shouldn't be regarded as role models.
1993: League MVP and Continued Excellence
Barkley's exceptional performance earned him the NBA's Most Valuable Player award in 1993.
1993: "I Am Not a Role Model"
In 1993, Charles Barkley sparked national conversation with his Nike commercial and stance on athletes as role models. He argued that athletes should not be solely relied upon for raising children, emphasizing the responsibility of parents and teachers. This ignited debate on the influence of athletes and societal expectations.
1993: Charles Barkley Wins NBA MVP
In 1993, while playing for the Phoenix Suns, Barkley was voted the NBA's Most Valuable Player, leading his team to the NBA Finals that same year.
1993: Barkley Battles Injuries, Suns Fall to Rockets
In the 1993-94 season, Charles Barkley began experiencing severe back pain, foreshadowing potential retirement. Despite this, he continued to play, leading the Suns to the playoffs, although they were defeated by the Houston Rockets. Barkley's resilience and talent were evident, even amidst physical challenges.
1993: Barkley Begins Hosting Stints on "Saturday Night Live"
Starting in 1993, Barkley's charisma and comedic talent landed him hosting gigs on the iconic sketch comedy show, "Saturday Night Live," further expanding his entertainment career.
1995: Considers Running for Governor of Alabama
Charles Barkley, then a Republican, contemplated running for Governor of Alabama in the 1998 election.
1995: Charles Barkley's Final Season with the Phoenix Suns
In the 1995-1996 season, Charles Barkley played his last season with the Phoenix Suns. He led the team in scoring, rebounds, and steals, showcasing his skills as an all-around player. Despite his efforts, the Suns concluded the season with a 41-41 record and a first-round playoff loss, prompting Barkley's trade to the Houston Rockets.
October 25, 1996: Barkley's Trade to Houston and Preseason Altercation
Charles Barkley's trade to the Houston Rockets marked a significant point in his career. His goal was to finally win an NBA championship. However, the season started with a suspension and fine due to a fight with Charles Oakley during a preseason game on October 25, 1996. This incident foreshadowed the challenges and triumphs that would characterize his time with the Rockets.
1996: Another Gold Medal
Barkley participated in his second Olympic Games in 1996, once again contributing to the team's gold medal victory. He led the team in scoring, rebounds, and field goal percentage, solidifying his place as a dominant force in international basketball.
1996: Second Olympic Gold and Continued International Success
Barkley secured his second Olympic gold medal with the 1996 Men's Basketball team, once again leading the team in scoring and contributing to their perfect record.
1996: Barkley Stars in "Space Jam"
Barkley showcased his acting skills and comedic timing by playing himself in the 1996 live-action/animated sports comedy film, "Space Jam".
1996: Barkley Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal
Charles Barkley secured his second Olympic gold medal as a member of the U.S. national basketball team at the 1996 Olympic Games.
1996: Leading the Team to Victory
During the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, Charles Barkley emerged as a leader for the United States men's basketball team. He led the team in scoring, rebounds, and field goal percentage, showcasing his versatility and impact on the court. His leadership contributed to the team's undefeated run and another gold medal victory, cementing his legacy in Olympic basketball.
1996: Named to NBA's 50th Anniversary Team
In 1996, Barkley's remarkable career was celebrated when he was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team, recognizing him as one of the 50 greatest players of all time.
1997: Another Injury-Plagued Season
The 1997-1998 season saw Charles Barkley battling injuries, which limited his playing time and impacted his performance. Despite these setbacks, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the second player in NBA history, after Wilt Chamberlain, to reach 23,000 points, 12,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists. This highlighted his resilience and ability to contribute even amidst adversity.
1998: Does Not Run for Governor
This date signifies the year Charles Barkley considered running for Governor of Alabama but ultimately did not. This marked a point in his life where he was potentially exploring a future in politics.
November 10, 1999: Barkley and O'Neal Ejection
On November 10, 1999, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal were ejected from a game against the Los Angeles Lakers after an altercation. Following a blocked layup, a shoving match ensued, leading to Barkley throwing the ball at O'Neal. This incident highlighted the intense competition and emotions often seen on the basketball court.
December 8, 1999: Career-Threatening Injury
Charles Barkley's career took a serious turn on December 8, 1999, when he ruptured his left quadriceps tendon during a game in Philadelphia. This severe injury put his future in the NBA in jeopardy and marked a potential end to his illustrious career.
April 19, 2000: Barkley's Final Game
On April 19, 2000, Charles Barkley made a memorable return to the court for one final game after his injury. In a home game against the Vancouver Grizzlies, he scored a basket on an offensive rebound and putback, a signature move throughout his career. This final act allowed him to end his career on his own terms, leaving a lasting image of determination and perseverance.
2000: Transition to Broadcasting Career
Charles Barkley embarked on a new chapter in his career in 2000, joining Turner Network Television (TNT) as a studio analyst for their NBA coverage.
2000: Barkley Retires from the NBA
In 2000, Charles Barkley retired from professional basketball, leaving behind a legacy as the fourth player in NBA history to achieve 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists.
2000: Barkley Pens Foreword for Rick Reilly's "The Life of Reilly"
Barkley contributed a humorous foreword to "The Life of Reilly," a book by Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly, showcasing his characteristic wit and self-deprecating humor.
March 3, 2001: Auburn Retires Barkley's Jersey
On March 3, 2001, Auburn University retired Charles Barkley's No. 34 jersey, honoring his impact on the university's basketball program.
2002: Barkley Authors "I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It"
Barkley published his second book, "I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It," featuring editing and commentary from his close friend and journalist Michael Wilbon.
March 20, 2004: Inducted into Suns Ring of Honor
On March 20, 2004, the Phoenix Suns recognized Charles Barkley's contributions by inducting him into their prestigious "Suns Ring of Honor."
2004: First Celebrity Guest Picker on College GameDay
In 2004, Barkley made history as the first celebrity guest picker on ESPN's College GameDay, further expanding his presence in the world of sports broadcasting.
July 2006: Expresses Interest in Alabama Governorship
At a conference in Destin, Florida, Charles Barkley hinted at the possibility of running for Governor of Alabama, signaling a potential shift in his political aspirations.
September 2006: Reiterates Desire to Run for Governor
Charles Barkley reaffirmed his interest in running for Governor of Alabama, noting that he could run in 2014 due to residency requirements and was searching for a house in the state.
2006: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Charles Barkley received basketball's highest honor in 2006 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the sport's legends.
2006: Expresses Support for Gay Marriage
In an interview with Fox Sports, Charles Barkley voiced his support for gay marriage, stating, "If they want to get married, God bless them." This marked the beginning of his outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
2006: Barkley Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In recognition of his individual achievements and contributions to basketball, Charles Barkley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
July 2007: Endorses Barack Obama for President
Charles Barkley publicly endorsed Barack Obama for President in the 2008 election, signaling a shift in his political stance.
September 2007: Buys House in Alabama, Declares as Independent
Strengthening his potential candidacy for Governor of Alabama, Charles Barkley purchased a house in the state to meet residency requirements. He also declared himself an Independent, distancing himself from both the Republican and Democratic parties.
October 2007: Accrues $400,000 Gambling Debt
Charles Barkley incurred a $400,000 gambling debt at the Wynn Las Vegas casino in October 2007.
2007: Publicly Admits to Gambling Losses
In a 2007 interview with ESPN's Trey Wingo, Charles Barkley openly discussed his struggles with gambling, revealing a significant loss of approximately $10 million. He admitted to losing $2.5 million in a single six-hour blackjack session. While acknowledging his habit, Barkley maintained that it wasn't a serious problem because he could afford it.
2007: Charity Race Against NBA Official Dick Bavetta
During the 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend, Barkley participated in a lighthearted footrace against NBA official Dick Bavetta, turning a playful challenge into a charitable event.
February 2008: Announces Run for Governor as an Independent
Charles Barkley declared his intention to run for Governor of Alabama in 2014 as an Independent candidate.
May 2008: Sued by Wynn Las Vegas for Unpaid Debt
In May 2008, the Wynn Las Vegas casino filed a lawsuit against Charles Barkley for failing to repay a $400,000 gambling debt from October 2007. Barkley took responsibility for the delayed payment and promptly settled the debt.
2008: Potential Gubernatorial Run
This date signifies the year Charles Barkley considered running for Governor of Alabama. This marked a period where he was actively exploring a future in politics.
December 31, 2008: Barkley Arrested for DUI in Scottsdale
On December 31, 2008, Barkley was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, for driving under the influence after failing field sobriety tests. He refused a breathalyzer but later recorded a blood-alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit. Barkley was cooperative during the arrest but drew controversy for his explanation of the events.
February 19, 2009: Barkley Returns to TNT after DUI Arrest
After a two-month hiatus following his DUI arrest, Barkley returned to his commentating duties on TNT. He addressed the incident on air, taking responsibility for his actions and resuming his role as a prominent sports analyst.
2010: Confirms He Will Not Run for Governor
Charles Barkley confirmed that he would not be running for Governor of Alabama in the 2014 election, ending speculation about his political future.
2010: Barkley's Second Hall of Fame Induction
Charles Barkley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for a second time in 2010, this time as a member of the legendary 1992 Olympic "Dream Team".
2010: Barkley Admits to Borrowing Money as a Student-Athlete
In 2010, Charles Barkley admitted to receiving money from sports agents during his time at Auburn University, a practice that was against NCAA regulations at the time. He claimed to have repaid the loans after signing his NBA contract.
2011: Expanding Broadcasting Portfolio with NCAA Tournament Coverage
Barkley's broadcasting career expanded in 2011 when he joined the team covering the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament for Turner Sports and CBS, becoming a fixture in their Final Four coverage.
2011: Speaks Out Against Homophobia on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
During a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event broadcast on TNT, Charles Barkley condemned homophobia in the United States, emphasizing the importance of equality for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.
2011: Barkley Becomes WeightWatchers Spokesperson
In 2011, Barkley became the face of WeightWatchers' "Lose Like a Man" program, appearing in advertisements and promoting their weight-loss services.
January 7, 2012: Guest Commentator for NFL Playoffs and Saturday Night Live Host
On January 7, 2012, Barkley showcased his versatility by serving as a guest commentator for NBC's NFL Wild Card playoffs coverage and hosting Saturday Night Live.
November 2012: Contemplating Retirement from Broadcasting
In November 2012, Barkley publicly shared his thoughts on potentially retiring from broadcasting, expressing a desire to explore new challenges after a successful run.
2013: Agrees with George Zimmerman Acquittal
Charles Barkley expressed his agreement with the not-guilty verdict in the George Zimmerman trial for the shooting of Trayvon Martin, sparking controversy and public debate.
2014: Addresses Criticism of Russell Wilson's Blackness
During a radio interview, Charles Barkley weighed in on the criticism directed at Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson for not conforming to certain perceptions of Blackness.
2014: Potential Gubernatorial Run
This date signifies the year Charles Barkley considered running for Governor of Alabama. This marked a period where he was actively exploring a future in politics.
2014: Does Not Run for Governor
This date signifies the year Charles Barkley was expected to run for Governor of Alabama but ultimately did not. This marked a point where his political aspirations shifted.
August 2015: Endorses John Kasich for President
Charles Barkley announced his support for Republican candidate John Kasich in the 2016 presidential election.
2016: Barkley Expresses Disgust Towards Trump's Presidential Campaign
Beginning during the 2016 Republican Primaries, Barkley voiced his disapproval of Trump's rhetoric and message, marking the start of his vocal criticism of the future president.
2016: Continuing Broadcasting Career Despite Retirement Plans
Despite initial plans to retire, Barkley continued his broadcasting journey, signing another contract with Turner Sports and delaying his departure from the screen.
2016: Endorses John Kasich
This date signifies the year when Charles Barkley publicly supported John Kasich's presidential campaign.
May 11, 2017: Premiere of "American Race"
On May 11, 2017, Charles Barkley's unscripted show, "American Race," premiered on TNT. The show was originally titled "The Race Card" and explored issues of race in America.
August 2017: Barkley Comments on Confederate Monument Removal
In August 2017, Barkley weighed in on the debate surrounding the removal of Confederate monuments, a topic brought to national attention by the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
September 2017: Barkley Criticizes President Trump's Response to Colin Kaepernick
In September 2017, Charles Barkley publicly expressed disappointment in President Trump's criticism of Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem in protest. Barkley disagreed with both Trump's comments and Kaepernick's method of protest.
December 2017: Barkley Mocks President Trump's Tax Bill
In December 2017, Barkley sarcastically thanked Republicans for supporting a tax bill he believed primarily benefitted the wealthy, highlighting the perceived economic disparity the bill exacerbated.
2017: Barkley Supports Doug Jones in Alabama Senate Election
During the 2017 Alabama Senate election, Barkley actively campaigned for Democrat Doug Jones, publicly criticizing Jones' opponent, Roy Moore, as an embarrassment to the state.
2018: Barkley Completes Fourth Hosting Appearance on "Saturday Night Live"
Barkley returned to host "Saturday Night Live" for the fourth time, demonstrating his enduring appeal and comedic timing on the long-running variety show.
2019: Confirms He Will Not Run for Office
On Lance Armstrong's podcast, Charles Barkley confirmed that he would not be pursuing a career in politics.
2019: Barkley Expresses Optimism about the NBA Restart Amidst COVID-19 Concerns
In 2019, Barkley, while optimistic about the NBA's bubble plan for the season's resumption, voiced worry about players potentially testing positive for COVID-19.
2019: Barkley Guest Stars on "The Goldbergs"
In 2019, Barkley made a guest appearance on the popular sitcom "The Goldbergs," playing a gym teacher and conspiracy theorist considered as a replacement for the departing Coach Mellor.
2020: Barkley Shares Views on COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Barkley voiced concerns about the safety of children returning to school, highlighting potential inequalities for underprivileged communities. He also expressed cautious optimism about the NBA's planned restart in a bubble environment.
2020: Barkley Expresses Concerns About Politicization of Sports
In 2020, Barkley shared his growing concern that sports were becoming increasingly intertwined with politics, fearing it would alienate fans and detract from the enjoyment of the games.
2020: Barkley Voices Concerns on Defunding the Police and Breonna Taylor Case
In 2020, amidst nationwide protests against police brutality, Barkley expressed opposition to the movement to defund the police. He also commented on the Breonna Taylor case, stating that while tragic, it differed from the George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery killings due to the involvement of gunfire from Taylor's boyfriend.
October 2021: Honored Among NBA's 75 Greatest Players
In October 2021, Barkley was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his legacy as one of the league's most exceptional players.
2021: Improved Golf Performance at American Century Championship
Known for his struggles with golf, Charles Barkley showed marked improvement in his game at the 2021 American Century Championship. This followed a period of dedicated training he underwent to refine his swing.
October 2022: 10-Year Contract Extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports
In a significant turn of events, Barkley signed a 10-year contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, ensuring his continued presence as an analyst on Inside the NBA.
2022: Delivers Powerful Message of Support for LGBTQ+ Community
A video surfaced of Charles Barkley at an event where he forcefully advocated for the LGBTQ+ community, stating, "If you're gay and transgender, I love you." This further solidified his commitment to LGBTQ+ rights.
2023: Ranked Among NBA's All-Time Greats
As of 2023, Barkley holds the 12th highest Player Efficiency Rating (PER) in NBA history and ranks 14th in win shares, solidifying his place as one of the league's all-time greats.
2023: Targeting Retirement at Age 60
Barkley reiterated his intention to retire from broadcasting upon reaching the age of 60 in 2023, signaling a potential end to his time on television.
2023: Condemns Bud Light Boycott, Supports Dylan Mulvaney
Charles Barkley publicly criticized the boycott of Bud Light, which stemmed from the brand's association with transgender actress Dylan Mulvaney. He denounced those participating in the boycott and expressed his support for Mulvaney.
2023: Co-hosts "King Charles" with Gayle King
In the fall of 2023, Charles Barkley began co-hosting a news discussion program called "King Charles" alongside Gayle King on CNN. The limited-run series aired on Wednesdays at 10pm.
June 2024: Announcing Retirement Plans Following the 2024-25 NBA Season
Barkley revealed his intention to retire from television following the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA season, marking the end of an era for the beloved analyst.
June 2024: Guest Appearance as Stanley Cup Finals Studio Analyst
In June 2024, Barkley made a guest appearance as a studio analyst during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, showcasing his knowledge and insights beyond basketball.