For more than two decades, Inside the NBA has been one of the most beloved shows in sports television. Now, Charles Barkley is revealing that the clock may officially be ticking on his time behind the desk.
The Hall of Famer says he plans to walk away from the iconic studio show after the 2026–27 season — but there’s one person who could determine exactly when he hangs up the microphone.
That person is Ernie Johnson.
Barkley revealed the retirement plan during an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, explaining that he and Johnson are essentially a “package deal.”
“Me and Ernie are a package deal,” Barkley told Bill Simmons. “So right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year, 100 percent.”
Barkley’s decision isn’t simply about his own broadcasting career.
He explained that he originally stayed on partly because he wanted the behind-the-scenes crew to keep their jobs during the show’s transition to ESPN. He now says he has agreed to remain for two final seasons alongside Johnson.
“The only reason I stayed is so that everybody could keep their jobs behind the scenes,” Barkley said.
But there’s a major condition attached.
“I’m hoping the show keeps going on ESPN, but if Ernie retires after next season, I’m done,” he continued. “I have so much love and respect for that guy. If he says done, I’m done.”
Barkley also revealed that he had opportunities to continue his broadcasting career elsewhere.
He said he met with NBC and Amazon and was offered a deal by NBC, but ultimately decided against pursuing another network home.
Then came the call that changed his mind.
Barkley said Johnson asked him to stay for two more years.
“Chuck, would you please stay for two more years?” Barkley recalled Johnson telling him.
Barkley’s answer was rooted in their decades-long partnership.
“I said, Ernie, I love you, man,” he recalled. “You’re the best. I said, I’ll stay for two more years.”
That means the future of one of sports television’s most recognizable partnerships could come down to Johnson’s decision.
For now, Barkley, Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny “The Jet” Smith are set to continue the next chapter of Inside the NBA as the show moves into its ESPN era.
The 2026–27 NBA regular season begins Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026.
And if Barkley sticks to his word, the countdown to his final Inside the NBA season may already be underway.
