Charles Barkley He said Friday that next season will be his last on televisionregardless of what happens with the NBA’s media deals.
The Hall of Fame player has spent the last 24 years working as a studio analyst for TNT, which could lose NBA broadcast rights after next season. But no matter where the games are broadcast, Barkley won’t continue commentating on them.
BREAKING: Charles Barkley announced next year will be his last year on television, via @NBATV.
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“There has been a lot of noise around our network in recent months and I just want to say that I have spoken to all the other networks, but I will not go anywhere else but TNT“Barkley said while working on NBA TV’s Finals postgame show.
The NBA’s current agreements with ABC-ESPN y Turner Sports expire after next season and the league has been talking to NBC, ESPN y Amazon, among other networks and platforms, about what comes next. Commissioner Adam Silver said last week that he hopes new long-term agreements will be completed soon.
Barkley and his broadcast partners Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith have discussed their uncertain future on their popular studio show “Inside the NBA.” Barkley would seemingly attract interest from any NBA television network, but the 61-year-old has decided that 25 years will be enough and he will hopefully “pass the baton” to an NBA teammate. TNT like Vince Carter or Jamal Crawford.
“But I have made the decision myself, whatever happens, next year will be my last year on television,” he said.
