Atlanta, GA – Former NBA player turned TNT commentator, Charles Barkley, announced his retirement from television broadcasting in 2025 amidst ongoing media rights negotiations between Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA. The 61-year-old iconic broadcaster has been a fixture on TNT since his retirement from professional basketball in 2000, bringing a mix of humor, wit, and candid analysis to the popular “Inside the NBA” show alongside fellow commentators Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and host Ernie Johnson.

As the NBA explores media rights deals with various companies, including Disney, Amazon, and NBC, Barkley’s decision to step away from broadcasting after next year’s season marks the end of an era. While negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery continue, reports suggest that the network may lose its NBA rights for the first time in over three decades, potentially altering the landscape of basketball broadcasting.

Expressing his gratitude to the NBA community, Barkley affirmed that he will remain loyal to TNT despite the uncertainties surrounding the network’s future media rights. Speculations about his retirement have circulated for years, but Barkley’s definitive announcement following the NBA Finals game added weight to his decision, with plans to pass the baton to upcoming analysts Jamal Crawford, Vince Carter, or Steve Smith.

Having signed a contract extension with TNT in 2022, Barkley’s ability to part ways with the network in the absence of an NBA renewal further complicated the negotiations. His unwavering support for TNT employees and his emotional farewell to his NBA family after 24 years highlight the impact of his impending retirement on the broadcasting landscape.

Amidst the shifting media rights landscape, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the complexities of the ongoing negotiations, citing the evolving digital platforms and the challenges of balancing traditional and streaming networks. With the fate of “Inside the NBA” hanging in the balance, Silver emphasized the show’s significance within the league’s community and his close relationship with its hosts.

Recognizing the impact of the prolonged negotiations on Turner Sports personnel, Silver expressed a sense of responsibility to bring the discussions to a resolution swiftly, emphasizing the importance of clarity and stability for those involved. As the media rights landscape evolves, the future of NBA broadcasting remains uncertain, with Barkley’s retirement marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for basketball fans and analysts alike.