Full Breakdown
Charles Barkley Plans to Leave “Inside the NBA” After Next Season
9/5/2026, 4:10:50 AM
Announcement of Retirement
Charles Barkley told listeners of *The Bill Simmons Podcast* that he intends to step down from *Inside the NBA* after the upcoming season, contingent on host Ernie Johnson’s own plans. He said his departure is “100 %” unless Johnson decides to stay on for another year.
Show History and Viewership Impact
*Inside the NBA* has aired on TNT since 1990, when Ernie Johnson became its anchor. Charles Barkley joined the program a decade later, after retiring from the NBA. The show has become a flagship studio program, emphasizing banter over traditional game analysis. According to the report, the program drew an average of 3.5 million viewers in 2025 for the post-game broadcast after the Pacers-Knicks Eastern Conference Finals Game 6, compared with 8.1 million viewers for the live game itself.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that he hopes the show will survive its upcoming move to ESPN under Disney’s ownership, but he will not remain if Johnson retires first. No comment from Johnson was included in the source.
Verbatim Quote
- “Right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year for 100%,” — Charles Barkley
What Lies Ahead for “Inside the NBA”
With Johnson’s eventual retirement still uncertain, the network faces the challenge of finding a successor who can manage a studio environment often steered by analysts Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith, both of whom have not signaled retirement. Potential replacements for Barkley’s seat could include former players such as Jeff Teague, Kevin Garnett, or Richard Jefferson, though no official candidates have been announced. The program’s future under ESPN will depend on how the new broadcast arrangement addresses both on-air talent and behind-the-scenes staff.
