Charles Barkley, a celebrated figure in basketball broadcasting, has decided to retire after the upcoming season.
During a live broadcast, Charles Barkley stated that next year would mark the end of his illustrious television career, the Washington Examiner reported.
The former NBA player, recognized for his vibrant and insightful commentary, has been a staple of TNT's NBA coverage for over two decades.
At 61, Barkley revealed his plans while expressing heartfelt gratitude towards his TNT colleagues and the broader NBA television community.
Barkley emotionally remarked:
I really love TNT, all the people who work here, NBA television — you guys have been great to me for 24 years. I just want to say thank you to my entire NBA family. I love you guys.
Barkley's tenure in broadcasting has been as notable as his time on the court, where he was an 11-time NBA All-Star and later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Beyond his achievements, he is known for being the shortest NBA player to lead the league in rebounds, a record he set in 1986.
Amidst his announcement, Barkley also noted the ongoing discussions about the NBA's broadcast rights. The current contracts with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports are poised to expire after the next season, leaving room for negotiations with new partners like NBC and Amazon.
Despite the uncertainties, Barkley voiced his hope for TNT's continuation as an NBA broadcaster:
There’s been a lot of noise around our 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.
Barkley's announcement was coupled with a celebration of his career and the bittersweet reality of his pending departure. "My heart is full of joy and gratitude, but I’m going to pass the baton at the end of next year," he expressed. His impending retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in sports broadcasting.
With Barkley's exit on the horizon, speculation about his potential successors has begun.
Names like Vince Carter, a former NBA shooting guard who currently serves as a part-time analyst for YES Network, and Jamal Crawford, who works as a commentator for the NBA, are among those mentioned as possible replacements.
Before his broadcasting career, Barkdley set the courts ablaze in the NBA. His career numbers are impressive: over 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists. This rare feat places him alongside only three other players who have managed the same.
The departure of such a vibrant and insightful voice from sports broadcasting will surely be felt deeply across the NBA and sports media landscapes. As the industry prepares to move forward, Barkley's contributions and personality will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.
