Charles Barkley gives reason behind retirement from broadcasting after NBA's deal with ESPN: "We've lost the package"

The hilarious group of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson on 'Inside the NBA' could be breaking up soon. This is due to the NBA reportedly discussing a new media deal with several partners, which places Turner National Sports' (TNT) partnership with the league under threat.

Barkley, who said he is retiring from broadcasting regardless of what happens with TNT and the NBA, was asked about this particular subject on CNBC's Closing Bell.

Here is what the Inside The NBA co-host had to say about it.

"I really feel bad for everybody at TNT," Barkley said. "All the people I've been working with for the past 24 years, they're like family to me and I really hope we match. Honestly, in my heart, I think we have lost the package. That's my honest opinion, but I really hope we get a last minute reprieve for the people at Turner."

Barkley then continued by saying that he is retiring from broadcasting because he does not feel comfortable working elsewhere aside from TNT.

Charles Barkley began a career as a studio analyst after retiring from professional basketball following the 1999-2000 NBA season. He started his broadcasting career with TNT and has never left the network.

His time as a studio analyst could be coming to an end after it was reported that the NBA is closing in on a deal with ESPN, NBC and Amazon for its newest media deal. According to ESPN, this deal is worth $76 billion and will run for 11 years. Additionally, this latest media deal will kick off in 2025.

TNT has a chance to match this offer to retain their media rights with the NBA but many feel like this won't be the case and shows like Inside the NBA will officially come to an end.

Also read: "Gonna be my last year"- Charles Barkley announces he's retiring from TV job after next season regardless of TNT's future with NBA

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Charles Oakley sounds off on Charles Barkley's announcement that he is retiring from broadcasting

While many fans would be sad to see Charles Barkley officially retire from broadcasting, not everyone shares the same opinion.

Former New York Knicks All-Star Charles Oakley appears unfazed at Barkley's announcement. In fact, Oakley even had some harsh words for Barkley.

Oakley insinuated that nobody cares about Barkley or what he does after Inside the NBA. He added that Barkley's primary concern should be his health over anything else.

"His mouth is gonna get him in trouble," Oakley said about Barkley. "I mean he's a clown, point blank."

The former Knicks star also called Barkley an attention-seeker and a clown. Additionally, Oakley claimed that the 11-time NBA All-Star wouldn't have the courage to say the things he says as a broadcaster during his playing days because someone would have punched him.

While many find Charles Barkley and his antics on Inside the NBA to be hilarious, not everyone is a fan and Charles Oakley is clearly on that side of the fence.