NBA legend Charles Barkley has made a surprising announcement, revealing his decision to retire from television after next season.
The former Philadelphia 76ers star, who has been a beloved analyst on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” since 2000, shared this news following Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks.
A Heartfelt Announcement
Barkley, 61, expressed his gratitude and love for his colleagues and fans during his announcement. “I’ve been thinking, guys,” he began, addressing his on-air family.
“I really love TNT, all the people who work here, NBA television, you guys have been great to me for 24 years. I want to say thank you to my entire NBA family, I love you guys.”
Reflecting on His Career
Barkley reflected on the noise surrounding the network in recent months and clarified his commitment to TNT. “I’ve talked to all the other networks, but I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT… but I have made the decision myself, no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television.”
Passing the Baton
Barkley indicated his intention to pass the baton to the next generation of analysts, mentioning names like Jamal Crawford, Vince Carter, and Steve Smith as potential successors.
“Next year I’m just going to retire after 25 years, and I just wanted to say thank you, and I wanted you to hear it from me first.”
An End to Interviews
Determined to stay out of the spotlight, Barkley stated he would not be conducting further interviews about his retirement.
“I’m not doing any more interviews,” he said. “Don’t y’all be calling, nobody call me, I’m not talking about this again.”
A Storied Career on and off the Court
Barkley’s impact on basketball extends beyond his television career. As a player, he enjoyed a 16-year career with the 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets. In Phoenix, he was voted the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 1993 and is an 11-time All-Star.
Inside the NBA: A Legacy
Barkley’s tenure on “Inside the NBA” has been marked by his dynamic presence alongside co-analysts like Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson Jr., and Kenny Smith.
The show, known for its entertaining and insightful commentary, has won 19 Sports Emmys since its inception and is widely regarded as one of the best sports analysis shows on television.
The End of an Era
“Inside the NBA” is set to end after the 2024-25 season when TNT loses its rights to broadcast NBA games. The league is reportedly finalizing deals with ESPN, Amazon, and NBC, valued at a combined $7.4 billion per year.
Concerns for Colleagues
Barkley expressed concern for his colleagues in light of these changes. He recently shared his fears that up to 200 people could lose their jobs.
“It sucks right now, for the people I work with,” he said on Sirius XM. “I feel really bad, man. Because 200 people are probably going to lose their jobs internally if we lose the NBA.”
A Humble Exit
Despite hinting in recent weeks that he might be open to working for another network, Barkley ultimately decided to retire.
His announcement marks the second major retirement of his life, following his illustrious playing career.
A Final Word
As Barkley prepares to hang up his microphone, his departure signifies the end of an era for “Inside the NBA” and for sports broadcasting.
His heartfelt farewell underscores the deep connections he has forged over the years with his colleagues and fans, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of sports analysis.
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