Charles Barkley, a key member of the “Inside the NBA” studio show on TNT, revealed that the upcoming 2024-25 season would be his final one on television. At 61 years old, Barkley made it clear that he has no intention of moving to another network after his time with TNT comes to an end next year. Expressing his gratitude towards his NBA family, Barkley shared his decision during an NBATV segment following the Dallas Mavericks’ Game 4 win against the Boston Celtics.
The NBA has been engaged in negotiations for its next media rights deals, set to commence in the 2025-26 season. Various major players such as Disney/ABC/ESPN, Amazon, NBC, and Warner Bros. Discovery have been competing for the rights to broadcast games and associated content, valued at an estimated $76 billion over a decade. Should Warner Bros. Discovery lose out on the bid, it would signify the end of NBA games on TNT as well as the beloved “Inside the NBA” show.
Despite hoping that the NBA sticks with TNT, Barkley clarified that he would not be transitioning to a different network. Instead, he announced his decision to pass the baton to former NBA players Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter, or even to his colleague Steve Smith. Emphasizing that next year will mark his 25th and final year on television, Barkley expressed his appreciation towards his NBA family and viewers for their unwavering support over the years.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the complexity of the media rights negotiations due to factors such as technology, competing bidders, and timeline uncertainties. Responding to concerns about the potential discontinuation of “Inside the NBA,” Silver expressed sympathy for Turner Sports and emphasized the need for expedient resolution to provide clarity and certainty to all involved parties.
In response to Barkley’s announcement, TNT Sports lauded him as a “broadcasting icon” and a cherished member of the TNT Sports family. The network expressed anticipation for another exciting NBA season on TNT and indicated ongoing discussions about future plans involving Barkley.
Charles Barkley’s impending departure from television marks the end of an era for NBA broadcasting. As fans brace themselves for the final season of Barkley on TV, the industry awaits the outcome of the media rights negotiations and the potential impact on popular shows like “Inside the NBA.” Barkley’s legacy as a charismatic and opinionated analyst will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on viewers, even as he bids farewell to the small screen after a quarter-century in the spotlight.
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