(WHNT) — Charles Barkley will retire from television after the 2024-2025 season.

The former Auburn and NBA player announced his decision on NBA TV after the Mavericks defeated the Celtics 122-84 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Barkley has been part of the popular show ‘Inside the NBA’ since 2000.

“No matter what happens, next year will be my last year on television,” Barkley said. “I want to thank my NBA family, you have been great to me, my heart is full.”

Barkley said the decision is his own and he will not join another network. He added that he hopes the NBA stays with TNT; the league is currently negotiating a new media rights deal that would take effect at the start of the 2025-2026 season, according to multiple reports.

“I’m going to pass the baton to Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter or you Steve (Smith),” Barkley said. “But next year I’m just retiring after 25 years, and I just wanted to thank you. And I wanted you to hear it from me first.”

Barkley played collegiately at Auburn, where he was the 1984 SEC Player of the Year. His number 34 is retired at Auburn.

After his college career, Barkley played 16 years in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoneix Suns and Houston Rockets. He was an eleven-time NBA All-Star and the 1993 NBA MVP.

Barkley was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.