Charles Barkley indicates he has earned enough from his 16-year career in NBA and jokes about his gambling losses
Charles Barkley and his "Inside the NBA" co-hosts Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson were all recently signed to long-term contract extensions. The new contracts will keep basketball's most entertaining show on air for the foreseeable future. Barkley shared how those contract negotiations went.
During a recent appearance on the "Dan Patrick Show," Barkley said:
"I'm not worried about money at this stage of my life. Listen, if I don't have enough money by now I'm a big idiot. I mean I played 16 years in the NBA and this is my 22nd year starting night on Turner. If I don't have enough money by now, I'm just an idiot."
Host Dan Patrick pointed out that Barkley isn't a great gambler. The Hall of Famer responded by sharing:
"Well, when I renegotiate my deals and do commercials, I factor in gambling losses."
Charles Barkley and Dan Patrick also joked that Barkley's endorsements with Subway, Capitol One, and Dick's Sporting Goods are simply to cover his gambling losses.
Watch Charles Barkley and Dan Patrick discuss his new contract with TNT below (starting at the 2:47 mark):
THE FELLAS ARE BACK!
The #InsidetheNBA crew will stay together for many years to come after signing long-term contract extensions with WBD sports. https://t.co/X3l5oBuitc
As Barkley pointed out, he has made enough money in his life. During his playing career, he made just over $43.5 million. By modern NBA standards, that does not seem like a lot of money, as several players will make more in 2022-2023 alone. Barkley's career earnings peaked in his final season, 1999-2000, where he made $9 million, accounting for over 20% of his career earnings.
Charles Barkley's Inside the NBA earnings
Barkley's career earnings have increased substantially since his retirement. While NBA players make far more these days than when Barkley played, NBA analysts and commentators are very well paid as well. Barkley's career earnings have grown exponentially since joining TNT's "Inside the NBA" crew.
Barkley was reportedly earning $10 million per year with TNT. With a reported three years and $30 million left on his contract, Barkley was given a large offer from LIV Golf to serve as a commentator for their events. Despite the lucrative offer, Barkley was unable to join the company as many of his sponsors threatened to terminate his contract if he joined LIV.
Barkley's decision not to join LIV ended up paying off just a few months later. Despite having $30 million remaining on his contract, Barkley was given an extension by Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to remain on "Inside the NBA". While the terms of the contract have not been released, Charles Barkley's new contract will reportedly run for ten years that will see the Hall of Famer earn between $100-200 million.
NEWS: Charles Barkley has a new 10-year deal with TNT that is well north of $100M and likely approaches $200M, The Post has learned.
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