Charles Barkley says he’ll retire in two years despite having seven years left on his ESPN contract

In an unexpected twist, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has announced that he intends to retire from broadcasting in two years, even after recently signing a seven-year contract with ESPN. Barkley, who has been a mainstay on "Inside the NBA" for 25 years, disclosed his plans during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, expressing his wish to step away from the public eye sooner rather than later.

This news arrives amid significant changes in NBA broadcasting rights, with "Inside the NBA" moving from TNT to ESPN as part of the NBA's new 11-year media rights deal.

Charles Barkley plans to retire by 2027, citing desire to avoid overwork amid ESPN transition

During his interview, Barkley candidly stated, "I said I'd work for two more years, and that's what I agreed to... I actually have seven years left on my contract. There's no way I'm working seven years." He emphasized his commitment to his colleagues—Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal—saying, "I'm gonna be a good soldier for Kenny, Ernie, and Shaq, and the people I work with."

Barkley shared his worries about getting overworked, saying that if ESPN and TNT push him too hard, he might think about leaving earlier. He jokingly took a jab at a recently filmed pilot episode for ESPN as "the stupidest s**t" he’d ever seen, indicating his desire to maintain the show's authenticity.The move of "Inside the NBA" to ESPN happened after TNT lost its NBA broadcasting rights due to the league's $76 billion media rights deal with ESPN/ABC, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video.

Even with the change in platform, the show's cherished cast and production team will keep the program going from Atlanta, striving to maintain the show's special vibe.Barkley's announcement signals the start of the end for the cherished basketball analyst, who has been a key figure in NBA broadcasting for more than twenty years. Fans will get to enjoy his candid commentary and the fun he has with his co-hosts for two more seasons before he leaves the broadcasting scene.Also Read: Stephen A. Smith says teams like Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder prove depth beats superstar stacking in today’s NBACharles Barkley announced recently that he plans to retire soon which reflects his commitment to being honest and sincere to others. ESPN’s acquisition of the show allows viewers to see Barkley sharing his straightforward opinions for two more seasons. His departure will leave broadcasting in the NBA much less exciting, bringing a major chapter of basketball to a close.