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Charles Barkley, renowned basketball Hall of Famer and popular sports analyst on “Inside The NBA,” has announced his retirement from television after the 2024-25 NBA season.
Barkley’s candid and humorous approach on the show has endeared him to fans over the years.
With the upcoming end of the Warner Bros. Discovery’s media rights deal with the NBA, uncertainty looms over the future of the program.
“I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT. But I have made the decision that no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television,” Barkley said. “And I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me. My heart is full with joy and gratitude.”
Despite expressing loyalty to TNT, Barkley confirmed that next season will be his last on television, thanking his NBA family for their support.
“I hope the NBA stays with TNT, but for me personally, I wanted you guys to hear it from me,” Barkley said. “I wanted to tell my NBATV and TNT family that I’m not going to another network, but I’m going to pass the baton to either Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter or you Steve (Smith).”
“But next year, I’m going to just retire after 25 years, and I just wanted to say thank you. And I wanted y’all to hear it from me first.”
As networks renegotiate NBA rights, Barkley’s departure marks the end of a significant era in NBA coverage, with plans to pass on the broadcasting baton to potential successors like Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter.
“Charles is a Hall of Famer and broadcasting icon who is and will always be a beloved member of the TNT Sports family,” a TNT Sports spokesperson stated. “We’re looking forward to another fantastic NBA on TNT season and further discussion of our future plans with him.”
