On Friday, basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley stated that he plans to retire from broadcast television at the end of the 2024-2025 NBA season. He has been an analyst for the last 24 years.
61-year-old Barkley made the announcement on NBA TV after Game 4 of the NBA Finals. He stated that if TNT is able to continue broadcasting games or not, his plan is to “pass on the baton.”
“I’ve been thinking, guys. I want to say this because you guys are my family. 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,” Barkley started.
“There’s been a lot of noise around our network the last few months. And 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 going to be my last year on television.”
“… my heart is full with joy and gratitude, but I’m going to pass the baton at the end of next year. I hope the NBA stays with TNT, but for me personally, I want you guys to hear it from me personally, because I’m not doing any more interviews,” he stated.
Barkley has been seen regularly on NBA game night. However, the future of “Inside the NBA” is uncertain as Warner Bros. Disscovery, TNT’s parent company, looks for media rights past next season.
But, no matter what, it seems as though Barkley has made up his mind.
