Charles Barkley has set an expiration date on his TV career. The Inside the NBA analyst tells Bill Simmons next season will likely be his last on ESPN.
What We Know: Inside the NBA shifted from TNT to ESPN last season after decades on cable. Barkley has anchored the show for nearly every year of the program’s history alongside Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal. Before the move, he says he agreed to a two-year extension mainly as a favor to Johnson. That deal expires after next season, and Johnson has indicated to Barkley that he plans to step away at the same time.
What They Said: (All quotes via The Bill Simmons podcast):
Charles Barkley hints that this will be his final year on Inside the NBA: “Ernie [Johnson] said to me, ‘Chuck, would you please stay for two more years?’ I said, Ernie I love you, man. You’re the best. I said, I’ll stay for two more years. So right now, unless Ernie [Johnson] changes his mind, next year is my last year one hundred percent.”
Charles Barkley details how he stayed with Inside the NBA on a two-year agreement beginning prior to last year: “I meet with NBC, and with Amazon. NBC offers me a deal. I’m like, I appreciate it, but no thank you. Amazon never offered me a deal, but I met with him. I said, “No, thank you. So, I think I’m retired. I get a call from Ernie [Johnson], who’s the person I trust and respect the most.
He says, ‘Chuck, they got this deal on the table, but ESPN is going to take our show. Would you consider keep working?’ I said, not really. He [Johnson] said, ‘But everybody can keep their job, and [continue getting] checks behind the scenes. I really love the people. I’ve been with them for 26-27, years. I [asked] Ernie, how long do you want to stay? He says, “Let’s keep their job for two more years.’ I said, “‘Ernie, I’ll stay for two more years.’ But he [Johnson] says, “Chuck, I’m planning on retiring in two years. Me and Ernie [Johnson] are a package deal.”
Charles Barkley says the only reason he stayed on Inside the NBA is because of Ernie Johnson: “The only reason I stayed [with Inside The NBA] is so everybody could keep their job behind the scenes. We’re talking [a lot] of people. I’m hoping the show [Inside the NBA] keeps going on ESPN. But if Ernie [Johnson] retires after next year, I’m done. We’re a package deal. I got so much love and respect for that guy. If he says he’s done, I’m gone.”
Charles Barkley says his motivation to continue working in not about money: “I could have went to NBC and made more money if I was concerned about money. NBC offered me more than I was making [at Turner]. It ain’t about the money. I say I’m done. But I’ve been with these people either 26 or 27 years. I get to know them and all their families, and but I can’t just keep working for forever. I’ll be 63 freaking years old. I want to die on the golf course. I don’t want to die on TNT or ESPN.”
What Remains Unclear: Johnson hasn’t publicly confirmed his own retirement timeline. Barkley’s exit, by his own account, hinges entirely on that decision. Meanwhile, it’s unclear how Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal fit into any transition plan. ESPN has not commented on succession for the show.
What It Means: Barkley’s comments point toward a likely end date for one of sports television’s most beloved pairings. Inside the NBA built its identity on this exact foursome’s chemistry, and ESPN inherited that dynamic just last year. Consequently, losing Barkley and Johnson together would force a major creative reset. For now, though, fans get at least one more full season to say goodbye.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
