Barkley and Jordan Prepare to Tee Off, Ending Longtime Feud

The former NBA stars plan to play golf together after the playoffs, signaling a thaw in their strained relationship.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-perspective view of a golf match, with sharp planes of navy, emerald, and gold colors representing the game and the reconciliation between the two players.The planned golf outing between two former NBA rivals signals a thaw in their long-standing feud and a return to their once-close friendship.Chicago Today

NBA analysts Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan, who have been engaged in a long-running feud since Barkley's critical comments about Jordan's management of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2012, have agreed to play golf together once the current NBA season ends. The two spoke in the last few days and are making plans to hit the links, with Barkley saying 'We're not like Prince William and Prince Harry. We've always had a lot of love for each other.'

Why it matters

The planned golf outing represents a significant step in mending the relationship between two of the NBA's biggest stars of the 1990s, who have been at odds for over a decade. Their feud had become a source of fascination for basketball fans, and the prospect of them reconciling will be seen as a positive development.

The details

Barkley and Jordan were once close friends, but their relationship soured in 2012 after Barkley criticized Jordan's management of the Charlotte Bobcats, now the Hornets. Jordan, who was the majority owner of the franchise at the time, took issue with Barkley's comments and the two had not spoken much since. However, Barkley maintained that there was still a mutual respect between them, and the two have now agreed to play golf together after the NBA playoffs conclude.

  • Barkley and Jordan spoke in the last 72 hours to make plans for their golf outing.
  • The golf game will take place after the NBA season ends, likely in late June.

The players

Charles Barkley

A former NBA player and current TNT analyst who has been engaged in a long-running feud with Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan

A former NBA player and majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, with whom Barkley had a falling out in 2012 over Jordan's management of the team.

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What they’re saying

“We're not like Prince William and Prince Harry. We've always had a lot of love for each other.”

— Charles Barkley, NBA Analyst

“What I said, I think he don't have enough people around him that gonna tell him 'No.' And he got really offended and we haven't spoken. But John, I'm gonna do my job. Because I have zero credibility if I criticize other people in the same boat and not criticize my best friend.”

— Charles Barkley, NBA Analyst

What’s next

The two former NBA stars will coordinate their schedules to find a time to play golf together after the NBA playoffs conclude, likely in late June.

The takeaway

The planned golf outing between Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan represents a significant thaw in their long-standing feud, which had become a source of fascination for basketball fans. Their reconciliation could signal a return to the close friendship they once shared, and serves as a reminder that even the strongest rivalries can be mended over time.