Charles Barkley announces retirement from broadcasting

Charles Barkley will hang up his microphone after the 2024-25 basketball season. After 25 years behind the TNT broadcaster’s desk, Chuck will stop making us laugh more than anyone else to take on his role. Barkley announced his decision Friday after Game 4 of the NBA Finals:

“I don’t go anywhere other than TNT. But I’ve made the decision that no matter what happens, next year will be my last year on television. And I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You have been wonderful to me. My heart is full of joy and gratitude.

Barkley will be 62 after next season, but the move is a bit surprising because he seems nowhere near slowing down.

One of the main reasons for the timing of this news comes from the expiration of Warner Brothers’ (TNT’s parent company) contract with the NBA. It appears that Amazon and NBC have outbid Warner Brothers for the broadcast rights and, while the NBA has yet to make an official decision, like most people, they are generally inclined to accept the best offer on the table.

Saddle up for another year with Barkley behind the mic. I’m excited to see this Coach K retirement tour done with the Barkley rocket.

Charles Barkley and Kentucky

It’s no secret that Charles Barkley and former Kentucky coach John Calipari have been good friends for a long time. Barkley was a guest on the inaugural episode of John Calipari’s short-lived podcast in 2016, where the two planned to put Cal down by putting the enemies of his unique style in their place.

Last March, after Kentucky lost in a game we won’t talk about, Barkley said, “At some point, (Kentucky) is going to have to make a big run.” They can’t keep getting upset; this is the University of Kentucky. This is one of the greatest programs in history. Cal is a great coach and a good friend, but at some point he can’t continue to live off of what happened in the Anthony Davis era.

Barkley also commented on the ‘Cats when his buddy, Calipari, moved to Arkansas.

“It’s good for Kentucky basketball…I think it’s probably time for John to move.” I think it has run its course. He’s a great coach, but they haven’t been successful and you can’t underperform at Kentucky. He’s had huge success but, to be honest, he hasn’t been successful in recent years. He’s probably getting ahead of the group.

Good luck to Sir Charles in the next adventure he undertakes.