Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Charles Barkley announces retirement from TV after 2024-25 NBA season
Leeds native and former Auburn basketball star Charles Barkley has announced his time as a television analyst is seemingly coming to an end.
After Game 4 of the NBA Finals last week, Barkley said the 2024-25 season will be his final season on TV.
Keep reading to find out more about what Barkley said about his future + take a look back at his historic career both as a player and a commentator.
‘No matter what happens’
Barkley’s announcement comes amidst some very public negotiations between the NBA and TNT over rights to future games, which would include the postgame “Inside the NBA” show. That show featured Barkley alongside:
- Ernie Johnson
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Kenny Smith
Through his analysis of the game and his personality, he was often the center of attention on the show and the center of several viral clips. Barkley would often say what he thinks about any game, team or player in the league.
Barkley won five Emmys as a studio analyst with the show including one in 2024. Inside the NBA has won 19 Emmys during Barkley’s time with the show including:
- 6 best daily show
- 6 best weekly show
- 5 best weekly show – limited run
- 1 best decoration and art visuals
- 1 best social TV experience
Barkley’s connection with Alabama
Barkley was born in 1963 in Leeds and grew up in the Birmingham area. He attended Auburn University and averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds per game across three seasons with the Tigers, including lead the program to its first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 1984.
Barkley was selected fifth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1984 draft. During his professional career he won an MVP award, was named first-team All-NBA five times and was an 11-time all-star. Barkley also won two Olympic gold medals with USA basketball.
Auburn retired Barkley’s #34 jersey in 2001 after his NBA career. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Barkley remains connected to the state of Alabama in many ways, including several rumors of possible attempts to run for political office. He is also the owner of Redmont Distilling Company located in downtown Birmingham.
What’s your favorite memory of Charles Barkley? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn!
