In a heartfelt announcement during the NBA TV postgame show following the Mavericks vs. Celtics NBA Finals game, longtime TNT broadcaster Charles Barkley revealed that the upcoming season will be his last on television. Barkley, who has been a beloved and iconic figure on TNT for over two decades, expressed his gratitude and shared his decision with his NBA family and fans.
Charles Barkley’s Full Statement
“I’ve been thinking, guys, I want to say this because you guys are my family. I really love TNT. All the people who work here, NBA television. 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 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. 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. But I’m going to pass the baton at the end of next year. I hope the NBA stays with TNT. But for me personally, I want you guys to hear from me. Because I’m not doing any more interviews.
Don’t y’all be calling me? Nobody calling me. I’m not talking about this again, but I want to tell my NBA TV and TNT family that I’m not going to another network. But I’m going to pass the baton to either Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter or you, Steve. But next year, I’m going to just retire after 25 years. And I just want to say thank you. And I wanted y’all to hear from me first.”
The Future of NBA Broadcasting
Barkley’s announcement comes at a pivotal time for NBA broadcasting. The league’s current broadcasting deal is set to expire after the next season, and negotiations are already underway with major networks such as NBC, ESPN, and Amazon. Reports suggest that the new deal could be groundbreaking, potentially exceeding $70 billion for an 11-year agreement. However, TNT’s chances of securing a new deal appear slim.
Addressing these uncertainties, Barkley reiterated his commitment to TNT but acknowledged his departure from television. “I hope the NBA stays with TNT. But for me personally, I want you guys to hear from me. Next year, I’m going to just retire after 25 years,” he said.
I have made the decision myself, no matter what happens. Next year is going to be my last year on television,” he said. “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. But I’m going to pass the baton at the end of next year.”
Barkley emphasized his intention to make this announcement directly to avoid any further speculation or interviews. “I’m not doing any more interviews. Don’t y’all be calling me? Nobody calling me. I’m not talking about this again, but I want to tell my NBA TV and TNT family that I’m not going to another network,” he stated.
Passing the Baton
Reflecting on his time at TNT, Barkley’s words were filled with gratitude. “My heart is full with joy and gratitude,” he said, underscoring the deep connections and impact he has made during his tenure. He also mentioned potential successors like Jamal Crawford, Vince Carter, and Steve Smith as candidates to carry on his legacy.
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As Charles Barkley prepares for his final season on television, fans and colleagues alike will undoubtedly cherish his contributions and celebrate his remarkable career. His departure marks the end of an era for TNT, but his legacy will continue to influence and inspire the world of sports broadcasting.
