Charles Barkley’s New TNT Deal Valued at Nearly $200 Million – If He Sticks Around for the Whole Thing

The NBA analyst, 59, has reportedly agreed to a 10-year contract

Charles Barkley
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Former NBA player Charles Barkley has agreed to a 10-year deal with TNT, expected to pay more than nine figures, according to a report from the New York Post.

Barkley’s current contract with the NBA broadcaster — which pays him $10 million per season — still has three years left, ending after the 2024-25 season and overlapping with TNT’s broadcast agreement with the league.

If Barkley fulfills his entire current contract, he would be looking at making over $100 million, approaching $200 million, but the exact amount is not yet known. In the case that Turner Broadcasting doesn’t keep the NBA, Barkley could also own rights to employment for other digital platforms or networks, especially if Amazon, Apple or other tech giants are involved. 

The 59-year-old has hinted at retirement at the age of 60, but TNT’s latest offer to Barkley follows its commitment to Barkley’s partners — Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith — according to The Post.

“We’re all a big family – Ernie, Kenny and Shaquille 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,” Barkley said. “I’m not gonna lie, though, this is a life-altering deal…and I’m blessed to be able to do live television for a living.”

The Post reports that under TNT’s corporate parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, Barkley will have opportunities to produce documentaries and other projects with his production company Round Mound Media.

Barkley played for the Philadelphia 76ers from 1984-1992, the Phoenix Suns from 1992-1996 and the Houston Rockets from 1996-2000. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2006.

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