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Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley, the iconic basketball Hall of Famer renowned for his candid commentary on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” revealed on NBATV that he will retire from television after the upcoming year. His decision marks the end of an era shaped by his blunt, no-BS style that often overshadowed his stellar career as a player.
“I’ll be sticking with TNT. But I’ve decided that next year will be my final one on TV,” Barkley announced following the Dallas Mavericks’ Game 4 win against the Boston Celtics. “I want to express my gratitude to my NBA family. You all have been amazing to me. My heart is filled with joy and appreciation.”
Barkley’s departure aligns with Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) imminent expiration of its NBA media rights deal after next season. While WBD, CNN’s parent company, might seek renewal, NBC and Amazon reportedly lead in the bidding, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Details on the new NBA rights agreement, including ESPN’s anticipated continued involvement, are expected to emerge in the weeks ahead.
“I hope the NBA stays with TNT, but personally, I wanted to share this news directly with you all,” Barkley stated. “I won’t be moving to another network. Instead, I’m looking to pass the baton to either Jamal Crawford, Vince Carter, or you, Steve (Smith). Next year, I’ll be retiring after 25 years, and I just wanted to express my gratitude. I wanted you all to hear it from me first.”
Following his illustrious career as a player, Barkley transitioned to become an analyst on TNT’s acclaimed studio show “Inside the NBA” in 2000. Known for his distinctive Alabama accent and unfiltered commentary, Barkley quickly became a fan favorite and a pillar of sports broadcasting.
Despite a career marked by two Olympic gold medals, 11 All-Star selections, and the 1993 MVP award, Barkley never won an NBA championship, a fact that he openly acknowledges as a regret. However, his charismatic persona and candid style endeared him to audiences worldwide, propelling him to become one of the most beloved sports broadcasters of his generation.
During his tenure with TNT, Barkley earned four Sports Emmys and was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, underscoring his impact and influence in sports media. While he briefly entertained the idea of entering politics, considering a gubernatorial run in Alabama, Barkley ultimately decided against it, citing disillusionment with traditional political ideologies. Charles Barkley
“I consider myself an Independent because I dislike the labels of Republican, Democratic, Conservative, and Liberal,” Barkley remarked. “You can embody aspects of each without conforming to one ideology entirely.”
As Barkley prepares to bid farewell to television, his legacy as a basketball icon and media personality remains indelible, leaving an enduring mark on the sports broadcasting landscape.
“I seriously considered running for governor, but then I came to the realization that neither of these parties truly cares about the people, and that’s what America is really about: its people.” Charles Barkley
While the future of NBA coverage on TNT remains uncertain, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) recently announced a significant 10-year agreement to become the new home for the French Open tennis tournament in the United States starting from 2025. Charles Barkley
