Charles Barkley Announces Retirement from Broadcasting After 2024-25 NBA Season
Charles Barkley, the basketball Hall of Famer and renowned sports commentator, has announced that he will retire from broadcasting after the 2024-25 NBA season.
This marks the end of an illustrious 25-year career in television, where Barkley became a beloved and influential figure on TNT’s “Inside the NBA.”
Barkley, who first gained fame as an NBA player, has been a fixture on television since 2000. His announcement came during the NBA Finals postgame show on NBA TV, where he expressed gratitude to his colleagues and fans.
“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.”
The timing of Barkley’s retirement coincides with the expiration of the NBA’s current media rights deals with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports, which includes TNT. There has been significant speculation about the future of NBA broadcasting rights, with NBC and Amazon reportedly making competitive bids.
Despite these uncertainties, Barkley confirmed that he would not be moving to another network.
“There’s been a lot of noise around our network the last few months and I just want to say I’ve talked to all the other networks, but I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT,” he stated.
Throughout his broadcasting career, he became known for his candid and often humorous commentary, earning four Sports Emmys and a spot in the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
His straightforward, no-nonsense style, combined with his distinctive Alabama accent, set him apart from other analysts and made him a must-watch personality. His interactions with co-hosts Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith on “Inside the NBA” have become iconic, contributing to the show’s success and popularity.
Reacting to Barkley’s announcement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “Charles Barkley is one of the most unique and entertaining voices in sports. His contributions to the game, both on and off the court, are immeasurable. We will miss his presence on TNT, but we wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Barkley’s decision to retire is also a personal one. He had previously hinted at a potential political career, considering a run for governor of Alabama, but ultimately decided against it.
“I really thought hard about running for governor but then I realized, like, I don’t think either one of these parties are really concerned about people and that’s what America is: people,” Barkley explained.
His departure will mark the end of an era for TNT’s NBA coverage, leaving a significant void in sports broadcasting.
As the NBA navigates its future media deals, Barkley’s announcement underscores the significant changes ahead for the league and its television presence. Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT’s parent company, has also secured a 10-year deal to broadcast the French Open starting in 2025, indicating a shift in its sports broadcasting strategy.
Ernie Johnson, Barkley’s long-time co-host, shared his thoughts on the announcement:
“Charles has been more than just a colleague; he’s been a brother. His honesty, humor, and passion have brought so much to ‘Inside the NBA.’ It’s hard to imagine the show without him, but we’re all grateful for the incredible journey we’ve shared.”