Barkley's Final Season Approaching
Charles Barkley Says 2026-27 Season Will Likely Be His Final on Inside the NBA
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Key Points
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Before returning to the program, Barkley said he met with NBC and Amazon but declined to pursue potential opportunities with either company, choosing instead to remain with “Inside the NBA.”
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Although ESPN now airs “Inside the NBA,” the program continues to be produced from the same TNT studio in Atlanta.
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“Inside the NBA” has won 21 Emmy Awards as well as the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, underscoring the show’s significance in sports broadcasting.
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The program debuted in 1989, Ernie Johnson became its host in 1990, and Barkley joined the panel in 2000, establishing the timeline behind the show’s long-running core group.
Charles Barkley expects the 2026-27 NBA season to be his final one on "Inside the NBA," according to AOL. The Hall of Famer said he and longtime host Ernie Johnson are a "package deal," suggesting Johnson may also retire after next season. NY Post reported that Barkley initially considered leaving when TNT lost NBA broadcasting rights, but stayed to help preserve jobs for behind-the-scenes staff during the show's move to ESPN.
Barkley, who joined the show in 2000, told Essentially Sports he turned down offers from NBC and Amazon to remain with "Inside the NBA." The iconic program has won 21 Emmy Awards since debuting in 1989, and Johnson has hosted it since 1990. Their potential departures could end an era for the celebrated lineup also featuring Shaq and Kenny Smith.
Barkley Stayed to Protect Show Staff Jobs
When TNT lost NBA broadcasting rights, Barkley seriously considered retiring. But Johnson asked him to stay for two more years. NY Post says Barkley agreed because he wanted to help preserve jobs for the show's production crew during the transition to ESPN. The program still produces from its original TNT studio in Atlanta.
Major Networks Pursued Barkley, He Declined Both
Before committing to "Inside the NBA," Barkley met with NBC and Amazon about analyst roles. Essentially Sports reported that he ultimately passed on both opportunities. Barkley chose loyalty to the show and Johnson over exploring new deals with two major media companies hungry for basketball talent.
A 37-Year Legacy of Awards and Recognition
"Inside the NBA" has established itself as sports broadcasting's most decorated program. Gadsden Times noted the show won 21 Emmy Awards and the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The program has run since 1989, with Johnson anchoring it for 34 years and Barkley contributing as an analyst for 26 years.
Ernie Johnson's Retirement Plans Still Unclear
While Barkley has stated his intent to leave after 2026-27, Johnson has not publicly confirmed a retirement date. AOL reported that Barkley's "package deal" comment strongly suggests Johnson plans to retire alongside him. However, Johnson himself has remained silent on whether he will actually step away from the show after next season.
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