As TNT’s NBA media rights deal approaches its end after the 2025 season, the network’s sports personalities are feeling uncertain. One figure expressing his concerns, albeit with signature humor, is former NBA legend Charles Barkley.
During Monday’s Stanley Cup Final Game 2 broadcast, Barkley joined Steve Levy, Mark Messier, and P.K. Subban. He took the opportunity to share his light-hearted worries about his future employment status. Barkley, who mocked AEW belt, revealed that he has been updating his LinkedIn profile, humorously noting the challenges he faces in detailing his work experience between his days in the NBA and his television career.
“Listen, I wish I had a job next year. I’m on LinkedIn. I put on my resume, [and] they are like, ‘You never had a real job.’ I said that’s not my fault,” Barkley said.
The prospect of TNT losing the rights to air NBA games for the first time since 1989 has been looming large. Reports suggest the league is close to finalizing a deal to broadcast its games on NBC, ESPN, and Amazon.
Despite his humorous take on the situation, Barkley, along with his colleagues, is clearly aware of the impending changes. Nevertheless, given his popularity and the respect he commands in the sports broadcasting world, it’s unlikely that Barkley will have to rely on LinkedIn to secure his next gig.
Charles Barkley Entertains with 25-Year-Old Debt Story Involving Mark Messier
During Monday’s Stanley Cup Final Game 2 broadcast, NBA legend Charles Barkley entertained viewers with a humorous story involving hockey icon Mark Messier. Alongside Steve Levy, Mark Messier, and P.K. Subban, Barkley revealed that Messier still owes him $5,000.
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“He’s never paid me. I took a delay of game,” Barkley said.
Then, the former NBA player began, sharing the amusing tale from an incident that occurred 25 years ago.
“Messier was sitting courtside in Canada. It’s a true story. I said, ‘Ref, I need to go talk to the great Mark Messier.’ He’s like, ‘Chuck, you’re going to get a delay of game.’ I don’t care. It was the first time he’d been around in my life. He was sitting in the front row. I said, ‘I’ll take the fine. Mark, you owe me $5,000.’ That was like 25 years ago,” Barkley concluded.
