Charles Barkley announces plans to retire from broadcasting originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
After an impressive victory in Game 4 of the Dallas Mavericks Friday night, Carlos Barkley I had a surprise to share.
The Basketball Hall of Famer and longtime basketball analyst for TNT, CBS Sports and NBA TV said he will retire after the 2024-2025 NBA season during NBA TV’s post-Finals coverage.
“I just want to thank my NBA family. You guys have been great to me, my heart is full of joy and gratitude, but I will pass the baton at the end of next year,” Barkley said.
In his on-air announcement, Barkley also addressed rumors that TNT may lose its rights to broadcast NBA games beginning in the 2025-2026 season, when a new broadcast deal is expected to take effect.
The 11-time All-Star made it clear that the possible end of the NBA on TNT had nothing to do with his decision.
“There has been a lot of noise on our network in recent months. I just want to say I’ve talked to all the other networks, but I’m not going anywhere other than TNT,” Barkley said. “But I made the decision myself, no matter what happens, next year will be my last year on television.”
The NBA’s current deals with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports expire after next season and the league has been talking to NBC, ESPN and Amazon, among other networks and platforms, about what comes next. Commissioner Adam Silver said last week that he expects new long-term agreements to be completed soon.
Barkley and fellow broadcasters Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith discussed their uncertain future on their popular studio show “Inside the NBA.” Barkley would seemingly attract the interest of any NBA television network, but the 61-year-old has decided that 25 years will be enough and he will “pass the baton,” hopefully, to a TNT teammate like Vincent Carter or Jamal Crawford.
Next season will also mark the 61-year-old’s 25th year covering the NBA.
“I’m not going to another network, but I’m going to pass the baton to Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter or you Steve [Smith],” Barkley added. “But next year, I will retire after 25 years. And I just wanted to say thank you and I wanted you guys to hear it from me first.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
