Charles Barkley dropped the mic during NBA TV’s postgame analysis of Game 4 of the NBA Finals, revealing that he’s hanging up his TV hat after the 2024-25 NBA season. Known for his unique blend of wit and wisdom, Barkley’s announcement adds an extra layer of suspense to the NBA’s ongoing broadcast rights negotiations with Turner Sports.
In his trademark style, Barkley mixed his signature humor with a touch of sincerity as he bid farewell to television screens everywhere. Catch Barkley’s heartfelt announcement and stay tuned for what’s next in the ever-evolving world of NBA coverage.
Charles Barkley announces retirement from television
Charles Barkley says he's done doing TV after next season – he's talked to other networks but he's not going anywhere other than Turner/TNT pic.twitter.com/sH89v0tI1D
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) June 15, 2024
“I wanna say this because you guys are my family,” Barkley began. “I really love TNT, all the people who work here — NBA television, you guys have been great to me for 24 years. I just want to say thank you to my entire NBA family. I love you guys.
“There’s been a lot of noise around our network the last few months. I just want to say, 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 gonna be my last year on television.”
Barkley, who first joined TNT’s “Inside the NBA” crew back in 2000, is gearing up for his milestone 25th season on the Emmy Award-winning studio show. For him, a quarter-century seems like the perfect moment to step away.
“I just want to express my gratitude to my NBA family. You’ve all been amazing to me. My heart is full of joy and thanks, but it’s time for me to pass the baton at the end of next year. I hope TNT stays with the NBA, but personally, I wanted to share this news directly with you all.
“I won’t talk about this again, but I wanted my NBA TV and TNT family to hear it from me. I’m not heading to another network. Instead, I’ll be passing the baton to either Jamal Crawford, Vince Carter, or you, Steve [Smith]. Next year, after 25 years, I’m hanging up my TV jersey. I just wanted to say ‘thank you,’ and I wanted y’all to hear it from me first.”
As the future of Turner Sports’ basketball coverage remains uncertain, Barkley is focused on ensuring a smooth transition, suggesting potential successors like Crawford, Carter, or Smith to join the esteemed crew of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Turning 62 next February, Barkley looks forward to a new chapter as a grandfather. In the meantime, he plans to savor his farewell tour throughout Turner Sports’ coverage of the 2024-25 NBA season and the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
If the past 24 years have taught us anything, Barkley’s farewell journey promises to be one for the ages.
Charles Barkley contract details
In 2022, Barkley signed a lucrative 10-year contract with TNT, rumored to exceed $100 million, but with a crucial caveat: an opt-out clause if TNT loses its NBA broadcasting rights.
As uncertainty looms over TNT’s future NBA coverage, Barkley hinted at exploring opportunities with other networks. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to retiring from television after next season, effectively ending his illustrious broadcasting career.
