Charles Barkley has "one of the coolest nights of my life" broadcasting Kentucky-Indiana with Dick Vitale

It was a nostalgic night for basketball fans in the region with Kentucky and Indiana resuming a storied border rivalry after a 14-year hiatus. The special occasion called for a special ESPN broadcast. For the first time, Charles Barkley put on a headset and sat court-side to call a college basketball game, while sitting next to Dick Vitale.

Barkley has been itching to call a game with Vitale. More than a decade ago, he tried to make it happen, but it did not become a reality until Barkley and Inside the NBA joined the ESPN family.

“I’ve been so lucky and blessed with everything that basketball has given me in my life. There’s nobody who’s ever appreciated and enjoyed basketball more than this man,” Barkley said just before tip-off. “This is going to be one of the coolest nights of my life. I love you, man.”

Vitale said Chuck has a “heart of gold.” The Round Mound of Rebound has supported The V Foundation for years. He doubled down on that sentiment in the middle of the game.

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Barkley pledged $100,000 to Vitale’s charity of choice. He also volunteered $100,000 from Shaq. “I ain’t even going to ask Shaq for a commission. Shaq is giving you $100,000 and I’m giving you $100,000. I don’t care what his fatass says, we’re giving you $200,000. It’s done,” said Barkley.

Charles Barkley and Shaq are each donating 100K to Dick Vitale's Gala for pediatric cancer research ❤️

When you give to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, 100% of donations go directly to cancer research organizations nationwide ➡️ https://t.co/6NwFh2XdEK pic.twitter.com/zIgG0aTDwd
— ESPN (@espn) December 14, 2025

Even though it was his first time broadcasting at Rupp, Barkley is familiar with the setting. During his four years at Auburn, he played the Wildcats eight times and went 3-5 in those contests. He had a double-double in his first trip to Lexington, one he’ll never forget.

“The first time I came to Rupp Arena was like a religious experience,” he said on the broadcast.

Wow I’m overwhelmed by the many kind comments about working with SIR CHARLES BARKLEY -the MVP was Dave O’Brien in setting us up .A W needed by @KentuckyMBB with strong 2nd half 72-60 vs Indiana .Charles treated me like royalty -he was a blast- Love him! @jksports @ESPNPR pic.twitter.com/MShMBeK1cJ
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) December 14, 2025

It sounds like Sir Charles had an outstanding experience during his weekend in Lexington. During the broadcast, he said he had the best fried chicken of his life on Friday night. The broadcast crew dined together at the Merrick Inn. After the game, he signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans, then found a local watering hole.