Charles Barkley crying on live TV is a rare moment.

Tears welled in the Phoenix Suns legend's eyes when he discussed his longtime colleague and "Inside The NBA" host Ernie Johnson, who announced on social media Wednesday, Oct. 28, that the 2026-27 season will be his curtain call.

"That was tough," Barkley said on the show, as his voice crackled with sadness about Johnson's announcement. "We knew the day was coming. Still tough."

Johnson looked emotional as well as Barkley spoke to his fellow panelists and NBA legends Kenny Smith and former Suns superstar Shaquille O'Neal about his gratitude for being on the show with them.

Barkley also declared in September that this season would be final on "Inside The NBA." The show airs on ESPN, but was originally on TNT before the 2025-26 season. Johnson and Barkley have shared the show's panel since Barkley retired as a 16-year player in 2000.

Johnson, 70, is retiring in part because of health issues. His nearly three-minute video announcement had the caption, "It's time" to describe his curtain call.

"I’ve been hosting 'Inside the NBA' for a long time. This is my 37th year," Johnson said. "And I’ve long described it as a 'get-to job.' Still amazed that I get to do this for a living."