Charles Barkley announced Friday that he will retire from his duties as a longtime TNT broadcaster after the 2024-25 season.
The NBA legend served as a studio host for TNT. Inside the NBA His announcement also comes as Warner Bros. Discovery faces uncertainty about its media rights to the NBA next year.
“There’s been a lot of noise around our network over the last few months,” Barkley said after Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night. “I've talked to every other network, but I'd say I'm not going anywhere but TNT. But I decided for myself that no matter what happens, next year will be my last year on television.”
He continued, “I want to say thank you to the NBA family. You guys have been good to me, and my heart is filled with joy and gratitude, but I'm planning on passing the baton at the end of next year. I wish the NBA was still on TNT… Instead of going to another network, I plan to pass the baton to Jamal Crawford, Vince Carter, or Steve. [Smith]But next year, I will be retiring after 25 years,” he said.
While WBD continues discussions with the NBA about retaining its media rights deal, the league appears ready to offer packages to Disney, NBC and Amazon. WBD CEO David Zaslav said last month that the network is seeking to bolster its channel's sports lineup with other leagues, although WBD retains some “matching” rights.
Barkley has previously expressed his frustration with the whole ordeal and even went so far as to criticize his corporate bosses at WBD.
“These people I work with have clearly screwed this up,” he said. Dan Patrick Show In May. “And we have no idea what’s going to happen. I don't feel well. I won't lie. Especially when they came out yesterday and said we bought college football. “I thought I could have bought the NBA with that money.”
TNT Sports recently announced a sublicensing agreement with ESPN for select College Football Playoff games.
“We’ve never played college football, we’ve never been involved in college football,” Barkley added. “And I’m like, wait a minute. Shouldn’t we spend every penny we have to keep the NBA going? So, to be honest, morale is terrible.”
At the time, Barkley suggested his production company might take over. Inside the NBAIf TNT Sports loses NBA rights.