Charles Barkley announced Friday that he will retire after the 2024-25 NBA season, according to ESPN.
The veteran NBA commentator shared the news after the Dallas Mavericks’ Game 4 win over the Boston Celtics, revealing that he plans to retire from broadcasting and has no plans to join another network after leaving TNT. according to To ESPN.
“I have no plans to go anywhere other than TNT,” the NBA Hall of Famer said, according to ESPN, “but I’ve decided that no matter what happens, next year will be my last year on television. I want to thank my NBA family. You’ve all been so good to me. My heart is full of joy and gratitude.”
BREAKING: Charles Barkley has announced he will retire from television after the 2024-2025 NBA season.
“Whatever happens, next year will be my last year on television. I plan on retiring next year after 25 years in the job.”
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— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 15, 2024
In his announcement, Barkley expressed his hope that the NBA would continue its partnership with TNT, but said he was prepared for any outcome. (RELATED: “What would happen if you hit him?”: Charles Barkley didn’t like being trolled by NBA fans at all)
“While I hope the NBA stays on TNT, I personally just wanted you all to hear from me… I wanted to let my NBATV and TNT family know that I’m not going to another network but rather I’m passing the baton to either Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter or you, Steve. [Smith]Barkley continued, according to ESPN.
MIAMI, FL – MAY 21: Charles Barkley watches prior to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at the Caseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTICE TO USER: Users expressly acknowledge and agree that by downloading and using this photograph, users are deemed to have accepted the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The decision marks the end of an important chapter for Barkley, who has been a staple of NBA broadcasts for 25 years. Barkley’s announcement comes as negotiations continue for the NBA’s next media rights deal, which is set to begin in the 2025-26 season. Major players including Disney/ABC/ESPN, Amazon, NBC and Warner Bros. Discovery are reportedly vying for the three-game package and related content, which is estimated to be worth about $76 billion over 10 years, according to ESPN.
