End Of An Era: Charles Barkley Says He’s 100% Retiring From “Inside The NBA” After Next Season

Charles Barkley

End Of An Era: Charles Barkley Says He’s 100% Retiring From “Inside The NBA” After Next Season

#CharlesBarkley says his legendary run on “Inside the NBA” is coming to an end after next season — as long as fellow host #ErnieJohnson follows through with his own retirement plans.

Barkley, who joined the show in 2000 after retiring from the #NBA, said on “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” “Right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year for 100%.” Johnson has hosted the program since 1990, with Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith helping turn the show into a fan favorite known as much for its off-the-cuff banter as its basketball coverage.

Barkley previously announced plans to retire amid uncertainty surrounding Warner Bros. Discovery’s NBA broadcasting rights, but ultimately stayed after “Inside the NBA” was licensed to #ESPN as part of Warner’s settlement with the league. He said Johnson convinced him to stick around following the move under the Disney umbrella, adding, “The only reason I stayed is so that everybody could keep their jobs behind the scenes.” Barkley made it clear his future is now tied to his longtime colleague, saying, “I’m hoping the show keeps going on ESPN, but if Ernie retires after next season, I’m done. I have so much love and respect for that guy. If he says [he’s] done, I’m done.”