Charles Barkley is gearing up for a farewell season. In September 2026 Sir Charles said the 2026–27 campaign will be his last on Inside the NBA, the much-loved studio show that moved from TNT to ESPN in 2025.
Before he became basketball's most quotable pundit, he was one of the most unstoppable forwards the game has seen. Here is his story, and you can shop every design in our Charles Barkley collection.
Charles Barkley Fact File
| Full name | Charles Wade Barkley |
| Date of birth | 20 February 1963 (age 63) |
| Place of birth | Leeds, Alabama, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) listed |
| Position | Power forward |
| Nationality | American |
| Current status | Retired player; TV analyst |
| Shirt number | 34 (also 32 and 4) |
| Nickname | Sir Charles, the Round Mound of Rebound |
Career History
| Years | Team | Games | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984–1992 | Philadelphia 76ers | 610 | 14,184 |
| 1992–1996 | Phoenix Suns | 280 | 6,556 |
| 1996–2000 | Houston Rockets | 183 | 3,017 |
| Career | NBA total | 1,073 | 23,757 |
Regular-season figures only. Barkley averaged 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game across his career.
From Leeds to Auburn
Barkley grew up in Leeds, Alabama, and starred at Auburn from 1981 to 1984, where he was named SEC Player of the Year in 1984. Undersized for a big man but brilliant on the boards, he earned the nickname the Round Mound of Rebound.
The Philadelphia 76ers took him fifth overall in the 1984 NBA Draft, the same draft that brought Michael Jordan into the league.
Rep the Suns years with our Charles Barkley Suns Basketball Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
Philadelphia Powerhouse
In Philadelphia Barkley became a nightly double-double. He led the league in rebounding in 1986–87 with 14.6 per game and made the All-Star team every year from 1987.
He was named MVP of the 1991 All-Star Game and earned four straight All-NBA First Team selections between 1988 and 1991.
Celebrate the number 34 with our Charles Barkley 34 Jersey Frame Men's T-Shirt.
MVP in Phoenix and a Dream Team Gold
In the summer of 1992 Barkley was traded to Phoenix and won gold with the original Dream Team at the Barcelona Olympics. In his first season with the Suns he won the 1993 NBA MVP award and led them to the NBA Finals.
Phoenix lost to Jordan's Chicago Bulls in six games, but Barkley averaged 27.3 points, 13.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists in the series. He added a second Olympic gold in Atlanta in 1996.
Keep it cosy courtside with our Charles Barkley Men's Hoodie.
Houston and Hall of Fame
Barkley finished his career with the Houston Rockets, retiring in 2000 with 23,757 points and 12,546 rebounds. He was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team in 1996 and the 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
He entered the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2006, and again in 2010 as part of the 1992 Dream Team.
Honours
Team
- Olympic gold: 1992 (Barcelona), 1996 (Atlanta)
- NBA Finals: 1993 (with Phoenix)
Individual
- NBA MVP: 1993
- 11× NBA All-Star (1987–1997); All-Star Game MVP 1991
- 11× All-NBA (5 First Team)
- NBA rebounding leader: 1986–87
- NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams
Hall of Fame
- Naismith Hall of Fame: 2006 (individual), 2010 (Dream Team)
- Number 34 retired by the 76ers; Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor
Away From the Court
Since 2000 Barkley has been a studio analyst on Inside the NBA alongside Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal, winning five Sports Emmy Awards. He has also covered the NCAA tournament since 2011, and the show moved to ESPN and ABC for the 2025–26 season.
FAQs
How old is Charles Barkley?
Charles Barkley was born on 20 February 1963, so he is 63 years old.
Where was Charles Barkley born?
He was born in Leeds, Alabama, in the United States.
How tall is Charles Barkley?
He is listed at 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), although his own book puts him closer to 6 ft 4 in.
What teams did Charles Barkley play for?
The Philadelphia 76ers (1984–1992), the Phoenix Suns (1992–1996) and the Houston Rockets (1996–2000).
Did Charles Barkley ever win an NBA championship?
No. His closest call came in 1993, when his MVP season with Phoenix ended in a 4–2 Finals defeat to the Chicago Bulls.
Is Charles Barkley leaving Inside the NBA?
In September 2026 Barkley said the 2026–27 season will be his last on Inside the NBA.
Shop the Charles Barkley Collection
Bring a bit of Sir Charles swagger to your wardrobe with our made-to-order designs, printed in the UK.
Shop every design in our Charles Barkley collection. Explore the full basketball collection, or shop by team with our Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets collections. Want your own name on the back instead? Design a custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Michael Jordan Career Story and Scottie Pippen Career Story.
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