Charles Barkley, an NBA Hall of Famer and one of the stars of TNT’s Inside the NBA studio show, said he’s retiring from television following the conclusion of next season, as noted by ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.
“I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT,” Barkley said on NBATV following during Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night. “But I have made the decision that no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television. 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 future of Inside the NBA has been up in the air, given the NBA’s ongoing media rights negotiations. As Youngmisuk notes, Disney (ABC/ESPN), Amazon, NBC and Warner Bros. Discovery (TNT) are all hoping to secure broadcast deals with the NBA. However, if WBD is left out, it would mean the end of Inside the NBA and all games on TNT.
[RELATED: TNT Remains In Talks For Possible Fourth NBA Rights Package]
Barkley has decided to avoid any uncertainty about his future by announcing his impending retirement now.
“I hope the NBA stays with TNT, but for me personally, I wanted you guys to hear it from me … 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),” Barkley said. “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.”
Barkley’s served as a TV analyst for TNT since 2000. He has hosted Inside the NBA alongside Ernie Johnson (who’s hosted since 1990), Kenny “The Jet” Smith (since 1998) and Shaquille O’Neal (since 2011). Barkley has also co-hosted every NCAA Final Four since 2011.
That’s just Terrible
Turr-bull. But I’ll miss Chuck. He’s great.
TNT and the NBA really screwed this one up.
It is Warner not TNT, If TNT crew had a say they would be on.
I ddunno what Challllsz is gunna do but I dang well hope it’s sumtin cuz da games woont be da same widout homey. Bark brought light n life to da games.
Is that English?
Here’s a translation: I don’t know what Charles is going to do, but I hope it’s something because the games won’t be the same without him. Barkley brought light and life to the games. Hope this helps!
Lmao
The TNT panel is the alpha. I almost never watch the ESPN pregame for basketball. It’s not turrble, but it’s just not as alluring.
It’s crazy how he is a top 20-25 player of all time and was equally as good in his post playing career. Legend.
People have no idea how great of a player he was especially guys like Draymond… dray probably understands now that the younger players are also disrespecting him like he did with Chuck.
He couldn’t crack sixers starting lineup in his rookie year . Loaded sixers team. Charles and Draymond in the same breath is blasphemy.
Charles was an MVP, Draymond was/is a cry baby who only had a career because of Stephen Curry
Draymond is a winner, Chuck is an eater.
I expected that since he has basically said it. They all have great chemistry and Ernie is the best host in all of sports.
This is some of the best news I’ve heard all season tbh
Another terrible take from you, no surprise. When you loved Kyrie’s antisemitism that told everyone all they need to know about you
This is probably the tip off that TNT is losing the NBA eventually.
Barkley is in the loop. He knows.
Warner is run by a foolish old man who thinks only about profit. NBA want more money than Warner fool wants to pay.
Most likely an end to an era. I will miss this team and their show. Still cracks me up.
i am not a role model.
The GREAT news is that now we wont hear Draymond on tv again cause he had a contract with TNT
How do you figure? If TNT no longer broadcasts NBA games they would have to either pay out the contract he signed or he would be free to go to any other network.
Just in time for a 2026 gubernatorial bid.
Was kinda hoping he would go do Golf now. They could definitely do with his humour and energy over there but I guess he’s given his whole life towards TV so he’s well and truly due his retirement
Personally can’t stand TNT with Barkley and Shaq talking non-sense all the time. I mute them. Not to mention Draymond proving himself to be a buffoon.
Didn’t he just sign av huge long term deal with TNT last year?
Thank you Sir Charles! A lot of people will surely miss you Chuck!