Charles Barkley retiring from TV after 2024-25 season
Charles Barkley is retiring from his role as a TV analyst on TNT and CBS Sports following the 2024-25 season.
The Hall of Famer has been a staple of the Sports Emmy Award-winning "Inside the NBA" since 2000.
Barkley's decision comes amid an uncertain future at Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns TNT and is reportedly vying for the final share of NBA media rights.
"I ain't going nowhere other than TNT," Barkley said on NBA TV following Game 4 of the Finals, courtesy of Awful Announcing. "But I have made the decision myself, 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."
TNT Sports later provided a statement on Barkley's sudden announcement.
"Charles is a Hall of Famer and broadcasting icon who and will always be a beloved member of the TNT Sports family," the outlet wrote.
"We're looking forward to another fantastic NBA on TNT season and further discussion of our future plans with him."
The NBA's current media rights deal with ESPN and TNT Sports expires after next season.
ESPN is set to pay $2.6 billion per season for a broadcast deal that'll include rights for the Finals and conference finals, per The Athletic's Andrew Marchand.
Amazon Prime Video will acquire the rights to a conference final every other year and other marquee matchups for approximately $1.8 billion each campaign, adds Marchand.
NBC and Warner Bros. Discovery are reportedly vying for the final allotment of games.
"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 NBA TV 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 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."