Charles Barkley will hang up his microphone after the 2024-25 basketball season. After what will be 25 years behind the broadcaster’s desk at TNT, Chuck will retire from making us laugh more than any other person to serve in his role. Barkley announced his decision after Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday:
“I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT. But I have made the decision that no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television. And I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me. My heart is full with joy and gratitude.”
Barkley will be 62 after next season, but the move comes as a bit of a surprise as he appears to be nowhere close to slowing down.
One major reason for the timing of this news comes with Warner Brothers’ (TNT’s parent company) expiring contract with the NBA. Reportedly, Amazon and NBC have outbid Warner Brothers for broadcasting rights and while the NBA has yet to make an official decision, like most folks, they are generally prone to take the best offer on the table.
Saddle up for one more year with Barkley behind the mic. I’m excited to see this Coach K-style retirement tour done with the Barkley flare.
Charles Barkley and Kentucky
It is no secret that Charles Barkley and former Kentucky coach, John Calipari, have been good friends for a long time. Barkley was the guest on the inaugural episode of the short-lived John Calipari podcast back in 2016, where the two mused about putting Cal putting haters of his one-and-done style in their place.
This past March, after Kentucky lost in a game we shall not speak of, Barkley said, “At some point [Kentucky] gotta make a big run. They can’t keep getting upset; they are the University of Kentucky. They are one of the greatest programs in history. Cal is a terrific coach and a good friend, but at some point, he can’t keep living off what happened in the Anthony Davis era.”
Barkley also had comments on the ‘Cats when his buddy, Calipari, made the move to Arkansas.
“It’s good for Kentucky basketball…I think it’s probably time for John to move. I think it had ran its course. He’s a terrific coach but they’ve underachieved and you can’t underachieve at Kentucky. He’s had tremendous success but, to be honest, he’s underachieved the last few years. He’s probably getting out ahead of the posse.”
Best of luck to Sir Charles in whatever venture he takes on next.
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