Charles Barkley joked about the impending end of “Inside the NBA” on Thursday, playfully talking about being let go from TNT’s popular show as the network’s broadcast agreement with the NBA nears its conclusion.
Charles Barkley humorously references leaving “Inside the NBA” studio early and being fired by the network
Next season, NBA broadcast rights will be held by ESPN, Amazon, and NBC, signaling the end of “Inside the NBA” after the 2024-25 season wraps up.
“Inside the NBA” has been a fan favorite basketball program, showcasing a star-studded panel featuring Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson.
Barkley jokingly mentioned leaving the studio early, hinting at TNT’s diminishing influence as their broadcasting rights approach expiration.
Charles Barkley:
“What are they going to do, fire us?” 😂😂
(h/t @gifdsports)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 25, 2024
During Thursday’s show sign-off, Barkley quipped, “[It’s] 12:29 a.m. We’re walking out of here at 1 a.m. What [are] they gonna do? Fire us?”, eliciting laughter from the panel.
Smith jokingly responded, “You’re getting closer and closer,” with Johnson adding, “Closer and closer to that line. You’re going to unwittingly just cross that line one of these nights.”
Smith then remarked, “What do you mean unwittingly? He’s been crossing [the line] all summer,” in reference to Barkley’s jabs at the network regarding its failure to secure broadcast rights extension for the league.
Barkley initially announced retirement from broadcasting post-2024-25 season during the 2024 NBA Finals
Barkley’s frustration with the situation led him to declare his broadcasting retirement by the end of the 2024-25 season during the NBA Finals in June.
However, Barkley later reversed his decision, confirming in August his commitment to complete his TNT contract, even if it doesn’t involve basketball coverage. Barkley’s contract remains in effect until 2032.
“I love my TNT Sports family. My No. 1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible,” Barkley stated.
🚨 Charles Barkley: “I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT. But, I have made the decision the myself- no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television… I’m not going to another network… Next year, I’m going to just retire after 25 years.” 🚨 pic.twitter.com/E966rKo7X4
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 15, 2024
“We have the most amazing people, and they are the best at what they do. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them both on the shows we currently have and new ones we develop together in the future. This is the only place for me.
“I have to say, I’ve been impressed by the leadership team who is fighting hard and have been aggressive in adding new properties to TNT Sports, which I am very excited about. I appreciate them and all of my colleagues for their continued support, and most importantly our fans. I’m going to give my all as we keep them entertained for years to come.”
Charles Barkley’s tenure at TNT began in 2000 following his NBA retirement
Barkley joined TNT in 2000 after concluding his NBA career, agreeing to a 10-year deal with TNT Sports in October 2022. Known for his entertaining analysis, he has won five Sports Emmys as Outstanding Studio Analyst for his work on “Inside the NBA.”
Prior to his broadcasting stint, Barkley enjoyed a 16-season NBA career with three different teams, earning 11 All-Star selections and the 1992-93 MVP award. He is a two-time inductee in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, first honored in 2006 for individual achievements and then in 2010 as part of the “Dream Team” from the 1992 Olympics.
