In 2013, I had the pleasure of riding the subway in New York City with Charles Barkley. It was his first time on the New York subway, and the idea of Barkley taking the train from Manhattan to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn was a hit. The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets were both struggling at the time, and Barkley’s presence on the crowded subway car brought excitement to the New Yorkers on board. Barkley even cracked a joke about feeling like the crying baby on the train, which got everyone laughing.
I’ve always noticed that Barkley doesn’t like being alone. He draws energy from being around people, which was evident during that subway ride over a decade ago. Throughout my interactions with him over the years, I’ve never seen him alone. He’s always surrounded by someone, which speaks to his desire for human connection.
Despite rumors of retirement, Barkley announced on NBA TV that the 2024-25 season would be his last on television, regardless of the outcome of the NBA media rights negotiations. This isn’t the first time Barkley has hinted at retirement. In 2012, he mentioned that finishing his contract with Turner Sports would be a challenge. However, the allure of the job and financial security kept him going.
In a 2018 interview, Barkley expressed his desire to work until the age of 60, wanting to enjoy life and have fun while he’s still relatively young. Now at 61, many in the sports broadcasting industry doubt that Barkley will actually retire. His love for the spotlight and the potential financial incentives make it hard to believe that he will walk away from television.
The NBA season is grueling, and the ongoing media rights negotiations have taken a toll on TNT Sports employees. Despite his announcement, many believe Barkley will change his mind about retirement. The uncertainty surrounding the future of NBA media rights adds another layer of complexity to Barkley’s decision. While he sounded tired and frustrated during his recent TV appearance, Barkley’s passion for broadcasting may ultimately prevail.
In conclusion, Charles Barkley’s retirement announcement may not be set in stone. With time to rest and recharge, Barkley may very well continue his career in television beyond 2025, much to the delight of his fans and colleagues in the industry.