Charles Barkley has announced he plans to retire from broadcasting following the 24-25 season.
“I’ve talked to all the networks, but I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT,” said Barkley on NBATV following Game 4 of the Finals. “But I have made the decision myself, no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television.
“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. But I’m going to pass the baton at the end of next year. I hope the NBA stays with TNT. But for me personally, I wanted you guys to hear it from me. Because I’m not doing any more interviews. Don’t y’all be calling me. Nobody calling me. I’m not talking about this again.”
While TNT has not officially been ruled out as a broadcast partner of the NBA beyond next season, they are expected to lose their rights to NBC.
Barkley joined TNT in 2000 and his partnership on Inside The NBA with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal has become one of the most legendary institutions in sports television.
