Charles Barkley, the NBA Hall of Famer and prominent television analyst, has indicated that the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season may be his last on TNT's "Inside the NBA." Furthermore, Barkley suggested that his longtime co-host, Ernie Johnson, might also be retiring at the same time.
Barkley shared these remarks during a recent appearance on "The Bill Simmons Podcast." He stated, "Me and Ernie are a package deal. So right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year, 100 percent."
Johnson, who has hosted "Inside the NBA" since 1990, has not publicly announced any plans for retirement. Barkley joined the program in 2000. Barkley, 63, had previously suggested his retirement from broadcasting would occur around age 60, but agreed to extend his tenure after TNT learned it would lose its NBA media rights.
According to Barkley, he initially told TNT executives he intended to retire at 60. He recounted that they did not believe him, but he reiterated his intention when the time came. The network then asked him to stay for two additional years to navigate the transition following the loss of the NBA's media rights. "Do us a favor. Stay two more years, 'til we get the new deal," Barkley recalled them saying.
Barkley ultimately agreed to stay until he was 62, which meant the 2025-2026 season was initially planned as his final year. However, the 2026-27 season now appears to be the target for his departure. Barkley mentioned that after TNT lost the NBA rights, Johnson called him and asked him to stay, partly to ensure that the show's behind-the-scenes crew, with whom Barkley has worked for over 25 years, could retain their employment.
"The only reason I stayed is so everybody could keep their job behind the scenes," Barkley told Simmons. He also noted that he had discussions with NBC and Amazon about potential broadcasting opportunities, with NBC offering him a higher salary than he was earning at Turner.