NBA legend Charles Barkley announces retirement from TV after 2024-25 season
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After 25 long years, renowned basketball star Charles Barkley shares that he will be stepping away from TV commentary at the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Barkley, who often joins Shaquille O'Neal on TNT's program called "Inside the NBA," expressed that he was very happy and thankful. However, he mentioned it was time for him to let go and hand over the responsibility to someone else.
The celebrity athlete who now works as a sports analyst shared some news on NBATV following the Dallas Mavericks' triumph over the Boston Celtics in Game 4 on Friday evening.
I need to express something to y'all because you're like family to me. My affection for TNT, the employees, and NBA television runs deep. I've been fortunate enough to have had wonderful experiences with everyone here for 25 years. I sincerely want to thank every member of my NBA family. You all mean a lot to me and I cherish our relationships.
There has been a lot of commotion on our network recently and I would like to express that despite talking to other networks, I have decided to remain with TNT. However, I have come to the conclusion on my own that no matter what occurs, I will no longer be appearing on television after next year.
I feel very happy and appreciative, but I will be giving up my position at the end of the upcoming year. I want the NBA to continue working with TNT, but I thought it was important for me to be the one to tell you this news.
Barkley stated that he would not participate in any more interviews regarding his retirement. He made it clear that he did not want any calls from anyone about the matter, and that he would not discuss it any further.
According to Barkley, it is probable that he will assign the responsibility to other ex-NBA legends like Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter, who are already featured on "Inside the NBA".
Chuck, as he's affectionately called by his fans and peers in the television industry, had an impressive basketball career as a power forward in the NBA that spanned 16 seasons. His ability to dominate the court as a top-tier rebounder and scorer has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play his position in the history of the league.
This famous basketball player has been selected as an NBA All-Star a whopping 11 times and has also been included in the All-NBA Team 11 times. In addition, he was awarded the Most Valuable Player title in 1993. His achievements earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame back in 2006.
After his days as a player, he gained popularity among fans for his direct opinions about NBA matches and witty banter with O'Neal.
Barkley leaving happens at the same time the NBA media rights agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery ends following the upcoming season.
