Over the years, TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley mentioned on several occasions that he doesn’t want to work until he dies. The Basketball Hall of Famer, who’s 59, repeatedly mentioned he may bow out at 60.
That would mean not finishing his current TNT deal which runs until 2024-25 and pays him roughly $10 million per year. Now it’s being reported that Barkley has signed a 10-year extension worth well over $100 million and could reach $200 million. This is a huge development as Barkley sounded like someone who could be on his way out during last season.
In fact, the entire crew of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and the aforementioned “Sir Charles” all reportedly received new deals.
Here’s what the 1993 NBA MVP had to say in a press release.
“We’re all a big family — Ernie, Kenny, and Shaq are brothers to me — and I wouldn’t still be here if it wasn’t for them and all the amazing people who work on our show. I’m not gonna lie though, this is a life-altering deal. … I’m blessed to be able to do live television for a living.”
Family business! https://t.co/Ba3AVs4BdR
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) October 17, 2022
Barkley’s deal comes on the heels of him possibly leaving for LIV Golf or retiring, as he’s stated numerous times.
Barkley, An Avid Golfer, Almost Joined LIV Golf In June
If you’ve ever tuned into “NBA on TNT,” you’ve heard Barkley talk about his love for golf. Barkley has made his home in Arizona since his playing days with the Suns. The beautiful weather allowing him to play golf year-round. So, it was no coincidence when he heard about all the money the new LIV Gold was shelling out to get players to leave the PGA, he had to see was there a chance he could become an in-studio analyst for them.
During an interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the charismatic Barkley had this to say.
“I don’t judge other people. Listen if someone gave me $200 million, I’d kill a relative. … I’m serious. They said Phil Mickelson got $200 million and Dustin Johnson got $150 million. For $150 million, I’d kill a relative, even one I liked!”
After weeks of back-and-forth, Barkley and LIV Golf ended talks with no deal.
GUARANTEED to be a good time 🗣#NBAonTNT returns tomorrow at 5 PM ET on TNT! pic.twitter.com/umcADW8JVw
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 17, 2022
In a July phone interview Barkley thanked good friend Greg Norman for even entertaining the thought of having him come over.
“I want to thank Greg Norman and LIV for their interest in me. I wish those guys nothing but the best. But, in my best interest, and being fair to Turner — because Turner and basketball have given me every single thing in my life — it is best for me to move on, and I’m staying with Turner for the rest of my TV career.”
Shrewd move by Barkley to gauge interest from LIV, which in turn probably played a role in his new deal with Turner Sports.
Barkley Makes The Show
“NBA on TNT” is the most popular pregame and postgame show in sports, and Barkley is a huge reason why. Never one to hold his tongue, he and Shaq together make for great banter and theater weekly.
How it started. How it’s going. pic.twitter.com/jogSdVe8b2
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 17, 2022
Without either it wouldn’t work, but Barkley would’ve been a bigger loss than any of the others, and based on the TNT deal he received they believe so as well.
Read More TSL Stories:
