NBA icon Charles Barkley has decided to retire from broadcasting at the end of the 2024-25 NBA season, leaving fans in shock and disappointment.
Barkley's announcement coincides with TNT losing its rights to broadcast NBA games and the conclusion of the Inside the NBA series, as the Daily Mail reports.
The news came after the NBA Finals’ Game 4 between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. Barkley, a member of the Inside the NBA team for 25 years, revealed his decision to end his broadcast career on Friday night, leaving viewers stunned.
“I’ve been thinking guys… I want to say this, because you guys are my family,” Barkley announced during the broadcast. Expressing gratitude to his colleagues and the network, he added, “I really love TNT, all the people who work here, NBA television, you guys have been great to me for 24 years.”
Barkley’s retirement coincides with the end of Inside the NBA, a beloved sports analysis show that has won 19 Sports Emmys since its inception. TNT is set to lose its broadcasting rights, prompting an end to the show after the 2024-25 season. The departure of Barkley only compounds the disappointment for fans.
Fans have taken to social media, expressing their grief and anger over Barkley’s announcement. Comments range from disbelief to frustration, with one fan tweeting, “End of an Era… This is on you TNT.” Barkley joined 'Inside the NBA' in 2000 and has become a staple of the program. His insights, humor, and personality have made the show immensely popular among basketball enthusiasts.
The social media reaction has been immense, with fans sharing their sorrow and thanks to Barkley for his years of entertainment. "Man what a legend," a fan commented, showcasing the sentiment of many others. Another fan’s reaction, “Nooooo. Say it ain’t so, Chuck!” reflects the community’s unwillingness to accept Barkley’s departure from the screen.
Some fans directed their frustration at TNT, with remarks such as "Everything gets ruined by money,” indicating disappointment at the network for losing NBA rights and, consequently, one of its most cherished programs.
Although Barkley hinted at the possibility of working for another network, he clarified he won’t be doing so. “I have made the decision myself, no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television,” he said. Barkley also noted that he would not discuss this decision again, adding, “I'm not doing any more interviews. Don’t y'all be calling, nobody call me, I'm not talking about this again.”
In his farewell address, Barkley graciously spoke about future potential successors, mentioning he would be passing the baton to either Jamal Crawford, Vince Carter, or Steve Smith. “Next year I'm just going to retire after 25 years and I just wanted to say thank you, and I wanted you to hear it from me first,” he concluded.
The NBA is reportedly closing in on deals with ESPN, Amazon, and NBC for broadcasting rights, worth a combined $7.4 billion annually. This switch marks a huge shift in NBA media coverage and signifies the end of an era for TNT.
Barkley’s previous venture included hosting a talk show, King Charles on CNN, which ran from November last year to April. Despite its run, he stands firm on his decision to retire next year without exploring further media engagements.
In conclusion, Charles Barkley’s announcement of retiring from broadcasting along with the end of 'Inside the NBA' has not only stirred emotions but also marked significant changes in NBA media coverage. Fans, vocal in their despair and disappointment, seem united in their sentiment towards TNT and Barkley. With new broadcasting deals on the horizon, the NBA’s relationship with its viewers stands on the brink of transformation.
