Charles Barkley has been in the spotlight recently due to the expiring NBA rights deal for TNT and speculation about whether he could secure a massive media ‘free agent’ contract with another network to continue his basketball commentary.
However, Sir Charles put all the rumors to rest over the weekend by announcing that next season (TNT’s final year with the NBA rights) will be his last on television, as he plans to retire.
BREAKING: Charles Barkley announced next year will be his last year on television, via @NBATV.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 15, 2024
“I really love TNT, all the people who work here, NBA television, you guys have been great to me for 24 years,” Barkley said during the postgame broadcast for game four of the NBA Finals. “There’s been a lot of noise around our network for the last few months, and I just wanna say, I’ve talked to all the other networks, but I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT. I have made the decision myself that no matter what happens, next year is gonna be my last year on television.”
Barkley told his iconic Inside the NBA crew that he wanted them to hear the news from him rather than another outlet. Even if TNT retains the rights however, which seems unlikely as of now, Barkley says that he will be passing the baton to another former player to take his spot.
With so many unknowns surrounding the rights deal and what will happen to the most popular postgame show in sports, one thing is for certain: Charles Barkley will be greatly missed on television.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
