As one of the most prominent and beloved voices in NBA media, Charles Barkley has the clout to choose his own path.
While his 16-year NBA career gives him a special connection to the game of basketball, it’s not his only passion in the world of sports. Chuck is also a big-time golf enthusiast and that hobby could potentially become something more.
According to sports radio host Dan Patrick, Barkley could join LIV Golf as a broadcaster and leave his place on TNT’s infamous talk show behind for good.
“He’s the most valuable voice in sports media,” Patrick said. “You throw in all the commercials, because he may lose those endorsements, a lot of these players who joined the LIV tour lost endorsements. Charles knows that he may lose those. So if you’re gonna go after Charles Barkley, you don’t have a TV deal and you have David Feherty, what are you gonna give Charles Barkley? And Charles says he’s going to listen to them, I believe tomorrow night and decide what he’s going to do, and he might have to leave TNT. That’s why this is a huge deal. And Charles knows that he may have to leave TNT to do this.”
Dan Patrick says he was told by Charles Barkley he may need to leave TNT if he joins LIV Golf pic.twitter.com/2brmHS39K0
— Brandon Contes (@BrandonContes) July 19, 2022
Of course, Barkley confirmed last week that he would be meeting with LIV to discuss a partnership.
“I’m going to meet with LIV,” Barkley said. “They called me and asked me ‘would I meet with them?’ And I said yes. Nothing that’s imminent. I actually don’t know everything they want from me, or what they technically want me to do, but you’ve got to always look at every opportunity that’s available. So the answer to your question is, 100 percent yes, I’m going to meet with LIV.”
Inside the NBA is the league’s best talk show, and Barkley’s presence on the program is a lot of the reason why. He adds an element of humor and perspective that is unique and works well alongside his co-hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson.
With Barkley’s future up in the air, it puts the entire show in a state of uncertainty. Whether Chuck retires from television altogether or seeks a new venture in the golfing world, his upcoming departure will mark the end of an era for the NBA media world.
