New York, USA – After years of speculation, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley announced his plans to retire from television broadcasting in 2025. The 61-year-old former NBA forward has been a beloved figure on TNT since his retirement from basketball in 2000.
Known for his quick wit, sharp humor, and fearless criticism, Barkley has been a staple on the popular “Inside the NBA” show alongside Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. Despite ongoing media rights negotiations between Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA, Barkley made it clear that he intends to conclude his broadcasting career next year.
The NBA has been in talks with various media companies, including Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Amazon, and NBC, for its next media rights deal post the 2024-25 season. Reports suggest that Warner Bros. Discovery may lose its NBA rights for the first time since 1988, raising uncertainties about the future of the popular basketball show.
Barkley, who signed a contract extension with TNT in 2022, expressed gratitude to his NBA family and emphasized his loyalty to the network. His decision to retire comes amidst criticism of TNT’s leadership and support for the network’s employees amid the ongoing negotiations.
During an NBA TV postgame show following a game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics, Barkley made the official announcement of his retirement. He reassured his colleagues and fans that he will not be moving to another network, passing the baton to potential successors like Jamal Crawford, Vince Carter, or Steve Smith.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the complexity of the media rights negotiations, citing the advent of new platforms like streaming as a contributing factor. He emphasized the league’s commitment to long-term deals while acknowledging the challenges of balancing games among multiple partners.
As the NBA community prepares for Barkley’s retirement, the future of “Inside the NBA” remains uncertain. Silver expressed gratitude for the show’s significant role within the league, highlighting his close relationship with the personalities on the program. Despite the interest from various networks, Silver also acknowledged the challenges of distributing limited television packages.
As uncertainties loom over TNT’s NBA rights, Barkley’s imminent departure marks the end of an era for basketball fans and television viewers alike. The commissioner expressed regret over the prolonged negotiations and reassured Turner Sports employees of the league’s commitment to reaching a resolution swiftly.