Since 2000, Charles Barkley has been a main feature on TNT broadcasts. After Game 4 of the NBA Finals, he made the announcement that he would be retiring after the 2024-25 season.

“There’s been a lot of noise around our network the last few months. I just want to say, I 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.“

Prior to being on TNT, Barkely spent 16 years in the NBA. The announcement came with little warning and a lot of emotions. Not only for him, but the entire broadcast crew. Throughout the season, there has been some speculation on whether he would re-sign with TNT or sign a contract elsewhere.

“I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me, 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 … I’m not going to another network, but I’m going to pass the baton to Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter or you Steve [Smith], but next year, I’m just going to retire after 25 years.”

Crawford and Carter are new to the booth but know the game. They know it well. Crawford was a 3-time sixth man of the year and Carter was an 8-time All-Star, 3-time All NBA and a Hall of Famer. This isn’t the first time that Barkley has mentioned retirement, but it’s likely the last. It will be the end of an era either way. There’s still the chance that TNT loses its broadcasting rights to NBC. They could match the bid or negotiate to keep the package. That doesn’t seem likely though and TNT is set to go after rights with College Basketball and Tennis.

Barkley’s run as a broadcaster has been special. In 25 years, he earned four Sports Emmy Awards. He became a unique figure who helped model broadcasting and analysis into what it is today. He was very blunt with what he would say. Charles Barkley wasn’t worried about saving an ego. That got him in trouble sometimes, but it was often entertaining.

If next season truly is the end, we would like to congratulate Barkley on both an incredible career as a player and as a broadcaster.

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