Charles Barkley says he plans to retire from Inside the NBA alongside Ernie Johnson

The short version

• Charles Barkley announced that next year will be his final season on Inside the NBA if host Ernie Johnson retires as expected.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• Barkley noted he agreed to stay for another season following the program's transition to ESPN specifically to help preserve jobs for behind-the-scenes staff.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• Co-analysts Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith have not indicated any plans to step down from the broadcast.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Key facts

• Charles Barkley stated on The Bill Simmons Podcast that he plans to retire from Inside the NBA alongside host Ernie Johnson after next season.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• Ernie Johnson has hosted the program since 1990, while Barkley joined the studio team in 2000.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• Barkley stated he remained on the show after it was licensed to ESPN primarily so crew members could retain their jobs.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• Fellow studio analysts Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith have given no indication that they plan to retire.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• Barkley previously announced an exit from the broadcast during negotiations over Warner Bros. Discovery's NBA rights before reversing his decision.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Charles Barkley Says He’s Retiring Alongside Ernie Johnson After Next NBA SeasonThe Hollywood Reporter metered