Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal land new deals for 'Inside the NBA'
Mike BrehmTNT announced new deals for broadcasters on the "Inside the NBA" studio show on Monday.
Warner Brothers Discovery Sports didn't announce the terms for Charles Barkley or for fellow broadcasters Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal but said "the team will remain together for many years to come."
But the New York Post reports that Barkley's 10-year deal could be worth $100 million to $200 million. His current deal is through 2024-25, the same season when TNT's NBA contract expires, the publication said.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
ANALYSIS:NBA East vs. West will feature contenders challenged from all angles
STAY UP TO DATE:Sign up for our Sports newsletter now!
Johnson is entering his 33rd season as studio host and Smith his 24th an analyst. Barkley has been with the network since 2000 and fellow Hall of Famer O'Neal since 2011.
Johnson has won six Sports Emmys and Barkley four. The show has won 17.
Barkley was in the news this summer when he took part in an LIV Golf tournament and talked to tour CEO Greg Norman to possibly discuss a broadcasting role with the Saudi-backed tour. But he told Golfweek in July that he never received an offer and was staying with TNT.
