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Charles Barkley confirms return to Inside the NBA for final season on ESPN

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 1, 2026, 9:21 AM

Last updated Nov 1, 2026

Charles Barkley confirms return to Inside the NBA for final season on ESPN

Summary

Charles Barkley announced he would return for one final season on 'Inside the NBA' on ESPN, influenced by Ernie Johnson's role in retaining jobs for staff. Barkley initially planned to step away after TNT's NBA coverage ended due to a shift in broadcasting rights. After discussions with Johnson, who is preparing to leave after 37 seasons, Barkley chose to continue, emphasizing a desire to depart from television rather than remain indefinitely. His return is paired with plans to end his run by the 2026-27 season unless Johnson changes his mind.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Barkley initially decided to leave after TNT lost NBA rights.
•Johnson's conversation emphasized job security for the show's staff.
•Barkley's return will be for the 2026-27 season, his last.
•Johnson will step down after 37 seasons as host of the show.
•Barkley expressed a desire to avoid a prolonged television career.

Latest Updates

9:21 AMYahoo Sports — ‘I Was Done After Last Year’ — Charles Barkley Reveals How Ernie Johnson Talked Him Into Returning to ‘Inside the NBA’ on ESPN for 1 Final Season

What they're saying

"
Charles Barkley had already made up his mind about leaving “Inside the NBA” when its run on TNT came to an end. He wasn’t particularly interested in starting over with another network.
— Yahoo Sports

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