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“She’s the Only Reason I’m Even Considering It”: Charles Barkley Opens Up About Jumping Ship to $6 Billion Worth Network Despite Recent Extension With TNT

Published 03/19/2023, 7:10 AM EDT

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NBA legend Charles Barkley is one of the most popular basketball analysts at the moment because of his candid takes and hilarious antics. Fans around the world love Barkley’s antics with his colleagues on ‘NBA on TNT.’ The segment is one of the most successful basketball shows and the 1993 NBA MVP plays a major part in it. Because of his popularity and personality, Barkley is a wanted man, as he can light up any show. The Philadelphia 76ers legend recently signed an extension. However, he is still considering a move.

CNN is eyeing to land the iconic Barkley to host a basketball segment. Reports about the potential deal came out a month back, and the fans did not like the idea. While he had addressed the issue at the time, he recently opened up about it again.

Charles Barkley on talks with CNN

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Charles Barkley recently signed a ten-year contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns TNT. Furthermore, WBD also owns CNN whose CEO Chris Licht is a huge fan of the NBA legend and wants him on the network. Since both networks are owned by WBD, Barkley does not have to end his deal to work for CNN. In an earlier interview, he noted that CNN’s basketball segments are bad and that he is ready to help. Furthermore, he stated that the network is trying to pair him with Gayle King. He added that he was considering the offer because of Gayle. Now, he has reiterated his comments.

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When recently asked about the situation with CNN, he revealed that talks were ongoing but no decision has been made. According to a video posted by Adam’s Apple on YouTube, Barkley said, “I’m not looking to get on TV even more. I’ve got so much love and respect for Gayle. She’s the only reason I’m even considering it.”

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Apparently, the 11-time NBA All-Star is a huge fan of Gayle King and wants to work with her. Notably, Gayle is a close friend of Oprah Winfrey.

Barkley’s future with TNT?

It was initially thought that Charles Barkley would make appearances for both TNT and CNN and that his screen time with TNT won’t be affected. However, his recent comments stating that he is not looking to be on “TV even more” might suggest otherwise. This might mean that his screen time with TNT and, in turn, with Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith could be reduced.

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WATCH THIS STORY LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley NBA Stars who Tried Their Hands at Other Sports

What do you think about Charles Barkley’s latest comments about joining CNN? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Bagavathi Eswaran

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Bagavathi Eswaran is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He has been playing basketball since he was ten years old, and has followed the NBA for more than a decade now. After not being able to go pro, this former college player decided to give voice to his passion by writing on the sport, covering the NBA as well as other arenas of basketball.
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Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth