Photo — Charles Barkley: Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Michael Jordan: http://www.defense.gov/dodcmsshare/newsphoto/2014-04/hires_140417-D-VO565-002c.jpg (Public domain)
The Short Version
Former NBA close friends Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan experienced a long-running rift starting in 2012 when Barkley publicly criticized Jordan's tenure as owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. In 2026, Barkley revealed that the two spoke on the phone and agreed to put their feud behind them.
Latest Development
Barkley Shares Details of Reconciliation on 'Pardon My Take'
Barkley elaborated on Barstool Sports' 'Pardon My Take' podcast about the phone call with Jordan, expressing that both acknowledged being stubborn and selfish, and stating that they plan to play golf together at Jordan's course.
July 18, 2026 · Public statement
The Beef
Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.
Beef timeline
July 18, 2026
Barkley Shares Details of Reconciliation on 'Pardon My Take'
Public statementBarkley elaborated on Barstool Sports' 'Pardon My Take' podcast about the phone call with Jordan, expressing that both acknowledged being stubborn and selfish, and stating that they plan to play golf together at Jordan's course.
Source ↗April 19, 2026
Barkley Reveals First Direct Conversation with Jordan in Years
Public statementBarkley stated on SiriusXM's 'Mad Dog Unleashed' and radio show 'Waddle and Silvy' that former MLB player Vince Coleman put Jordan on the phone with him while golfing, leading to a conversation where both agreed to reconcile and set up a golf outing.
Source ↗2020
Barkley Addresses Rift During 'The Last Dance' Release
Public statementSpeaking on ESPN 1000 during coverage related to 'The Last Dance' documentary, Barkley noted regarding Jordan that 'he got my number. He can call me.'
Source ↗2012
Barkley Criticizes Jordan's Ownership of the Charlotte Bobcats
Public statementIn an interview on ESPN Chicago radio, Barkley said that Jordan had not done a good job as owner of the Charlotte Bobcats and suggested Jordan was surrounded by people who did not challenge his decisions. Reports noted that Jordan took offense to the comments, initiating a silent treatment that lasted over a decade.
Source ↗
Where It Stands
Resolved. Barkley stated in media appearances in 2026 that he and Jordan had spoken over the phone, reconciled, and made plans to play golf together. Jordan has not publicly commented on the reconciliation.
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Sources
- 1.SourceBarkley Shares Details of Reconciliation on 'Pardon My Take' · Jul 18, 2026
- 2.SourceBarkley Reveals First Direct Conversation with Jordan in Years · Apr 19, 2026
- 3.SourceBarkley Addresses Rift During 'The Last Dance' Release ·
- 4.SourceBarkley Criticizes Jordan's Ownership of the Charlotte Bobcats ·
Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.