Retiring from broadcasting: Charles Barkley bids farewell to TV career

Renowned basketball Hall of Famer, Charles Barkley, who gained recognition for his candid and straightforward commentary on TNT's "Inside the NBA," has declared that the forthcoming 2024-25 NBA season will be his final television appearance. Barkley has cemented his status as a media figure on par with his days as a superstar player, SSP reported.

While expressing his gratitude towards his NBA family, Barkley made it clear that his decision does not involve leaving the TNT network. However, the conclusion of Warner Bros. Discovery's media rights deal with the NBA after the following season aligns with Barkley's exit plans. The Wall Street Journal suggests that NBC and Amazon have outbid Warner Bros. Discovery for the rights package, though a formal announcement on the deal is expected soon.

Asserting his desire for the NBA to continue with TNT, Barkley mentioned his intention to hand over the baton for his role to either Jamal Crawford, Vince Carter, or Steve Smith. Following a successful playing career, which included two Olympic gold medals and numerous accolades and achievements, Barkley entered TNT's award-winning studio show in 2000, where he found his stride on the airwaves.

Recognizing Barkley's stature as both a Hall of Famer and a broadcasting icon, TNT Sports expressed their appreciation for him and conveyed their anticipation for another thrilling NBA season and future discussions regarding their plans together.

Barkley's engaging personality, accentuated by his unfiltered opinions and freewheeling attitude, resonated with audiences, making him a major draw for sports enthusiasts. Throughout his almost 25 years with TNT, Barkley received four Sports Emmys and was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, solidifying his legendary status.

While Barkley briefly considered a potential switch to politics and expressed interest in becoming the governor of Alabama, he ultimately found little inspiration in the existing political landscape, thus refraining from pursuing this path. As an independent thinker, he conveyed his dislike for political labels, believing that few parties genuinely prioritize the needs of the people.

Although uncertainty surrounds the future of NBA programming on TNT, Warner Bros. Discovery recently secured a 10-year deal to serve as the new US home for the French Open tennis tournament, commencing in 2025. The extensive arrangement will include live coverage of approximately 900 matches on the streaming platform Max, with selected matches aired on TNT and TBS, and a new whip-around show on truTV.

As Charles Barkley bids farewell to his celebrated TV career, his imprint on sports broadcasting and his unapologetic demeanor leave an indelible mark that will be sorely missed by fans and colleagues alike.