As the future of the NBA on TNT remains in flux, Charles Barkley is at the center of it. That was again the case Friday night after Game 4 of the NBA Finals when he said he was planning to retire after the 2024-25 season.
Saturday, TNT Sports released a statement on his comments. The company said it plans to talk about Barkley’s future.
“Charles is a Hall of Famer and broadcasting icon who is and will always be a beloved member of the TNT Sports family,” the statement read. “We’re looking forward to another fantastic NBA on TNT season and further discussion of our future plans with him.”
ESPN has the rights to the NBA Finals, but Barkley is back working for NBA TV’s coverage of the Boston Celtics’ series against the Dallas Mavericks. After the Mavericks fought off a sweep with a blowout victory, Barkley addressed his future on TV as rumors swirl about the NBA’s media rights. Reports indicate TNT could lose the league when the current deal expires after next season.
No matter what happens, Barkley said he plans to hang up the microphone for good. He said he spoke about other opportunities, but instead could walk away entirely.
“I want to say this because you guys are my family,” Barkley said. “I really love TNT. All the people who work here at NBA TV You guys have been great to me for 24 years and I just want to say thank you to my entire NBA family. I love you guys. You know, there’s been a lot of noise about the network the last few months.
“And I just want to say, I’ve 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.”
Multiple reports indicate NBC could get the rights to the NBA once again, along with Amazon. ESPN would continue to be part of the new agreement. However, Warner Brothers Discovery has matching rights, which could be critical as negotiations go along.
Regardless, the future of Inside The NBA is in question. But as for what’s next for Charles Barkley, he doesn’t expect to make many more public comments about his situation.
“And I just want to say thank you to my NBA family,” Barkley said. “You guys have been great to me. My heart is full with joy and gratitude. But I’m gonna pass the baton at the end of next year. I hope the NBA stays with TNT. But for me personally, I wanted you guys to hear from me because I’m not doing any more interviews.
“Don’t y’all be calling me. I’m not talking about this again, but I want to tell my NBA and NBA TV and TNT family that I’m not going to another network, but I’m gonna pass the baton to either Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter, or you Steve [Smith]. But next year, I’m gonna just retire after 25 years and I just want to say thank you. And I want y’all to hear from me first.”
Nick Kosko contributed.
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