Basketball icon Charles Barkley has announced his retirement from TV punditry after an illustrious 25-year career, set to conclude at the end of the 2024-25 NBA season. Known for his candid commentary alongside Shaquille O’Neal on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” Barkley expressed deep gratitude to his NBA family during his announcement on NBATV following the Dallas Mavericks’ Game 4 win over the Boston Celtics.

Addressing viewers, Barkley emphasized his love for TNT and its staff, stating, “You guys have been great to me for 25 years, and I just want to say thank you to my entire NBA family. I love you guys.” Despite recent network rumors, Barkley confirmed his loyalty to TNT while announcing his personal decision to retire from television after the upcoming season.

Declining further interviews on the matter, Barkley humorously urged, “Don’t y’all be calling me. Nobody call me, I’m not talking about this again.” He hinted at potential successors for his role, mentioning former NBA stars Jamal Crawford and Vince Carter, both already familiar faces on “Inside the NBA.”

Nicknamed “Chuck,” Barkley had a stellar 16-season NBA career as a power forward, earning accolades like 11 NBA All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA Team nods, and the 1993 MVP title. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006, Barkley’s transition to broadcasting solidified his status as a beloved figure known for his unfiltered opinions and entertaining banter with O’Neal.

His retirement announcement coincides with the expiration of Warner Bros. Discovery’s media rights deal with the NBA following the next season, marking the end of an era in basketball punditry.