The move not only stabilizes the TNT broadcast coverage team, but will also put Barkley in front of the camera more often on the jointly-managed NBA TV network, a move that should increase exposure for the fledgling venture. Said David Levy, president of Turner Broadcasting Sales, Inc., and Turner Sports,

“Charles is one of the most engaging personalities in sports and entertainment today, and we are proud to that he will continue to call TNT his television home for a number of years to come. As we embark on exciting new challenges next season with NBA TV, we look forward to relaunching the network next season featuring numerous appearances by one of our signature announcers.”

Barkley’s eight years with the network have established him as one of the more entertaining analysts in profession sports broadcasting, and have contributed to TNT’s NBA broadcast ratings success against rival ESPN.

Bill Johnson is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network