Sports world reacts as Charles Barkley announces retirement plans

With WBD/TNT expected to lose its NBA media rights following the 2024-25 season, there have been rumblings of Charles Barkley taking his talents to either ESPN/Disney, NBC or Amazon Prime — the three networks that will reportedly carry NBA games starting with the 2025-26 season. 

However, Barkley dropped a bombshell Friday by announcing his retirement from broadcasting. The Hall of Famer — who appeared on TNT's Emmy award-winning show "Inside the NBA" — said he would not move to another network, regardless of the NBA's decision to parcel out its rights to a new set of partners.

"There's been a lot of noise around our network the last few months," Barkley told NBA TV. "I just want to say, I 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."

Barkley confirmed that even if TNT retains the NBA media rights, he would "pass the baton" to Jamal Crawford and Vince Carter, who've been recurring guests alongside himself, Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith on "Inside the NBA" over the past few years.