Charles Barkley’s Final Season on TV

Charles Barkley confirmed on Friday that the upcoming season will be his final one on TV, regardless of the outcome of the NBA’s media contracts.

After spending 24 years as a studio analyst for TNT, which may lose its NBA broadcasting rights after the next season, Barkley has decided not to continue on any other network.

During NBA TV’s NBA Finals postgame show, Barkley stated, “There’s been a lot of speculation about our network recently, but rest assured, I’m staying loyal to TNT.”

The NBA’s current agreements with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports are set to expire after the upcoming season, prompting discussions with NBC, ESPN, Amazon, and other platforms regarding future partnerships. Commissioner Adam Silver anticipates finalizing new long-term deals soon.

Barkley and his broadcast companions, Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith, have addressed their uncertain futures on the popular “Inside the NBA” show. While Barkley could attract interest from various networks, he has made a personal decision to retire from television after 25 years, passing the torch to a TNT colleague like Vince Carter or Jamal Crawford.

“I’ve made up my mind, no matter the circumstances, next year will be my farewell season on television,” Barkley confirmed.