Charles Barkley Considered Putting ‘$180 Million-Range’ Deal at Risk for Oprah Winfrey’s Close Friend

11x NBA All-Star Charles Barkley has built a successful career as an NBA analyst after his dominating career. He has become one of the American household favorites with his witty and hilarious approach to his shows. Moreover, Barkley’s popularity fetched him a 10-year contract worth close to the $180 Million range. However, a recent report suggested that the Phoenix Suns legend could consider moving on from the whooping multi-million dollar contract for Oprah Winfrey’s friend.

Currently, Barkley regularly engages in NBA game analysis and podcasts for TNT alongside Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal and several others. Reportedly, Barkley signed the above-mentioned 10-year contract with Warner Brothers Discovery, the parent company of TNT. However, the streaming rights of the NBA held by WBD and Disney are only active until 2024. Hence, that could have prompted Chuck to reconsider the contract.

Charles Barkley to find a TV partner?

According to the New York Post, Charles Barkley could walk out of his million-dollar contract and join Oprah Winfrey’s close friend Gayle King with the CNN network. Notably, Chuck and King developed a friendship after the 11x NBA All-Star’s appearance on Winfrey’s show. Barkley said, “They are trying to pair Gayle King and me…We don’t have anything set in stone. I’m only considering it because of my respect for Gayle.” However, there hasn’t been any official confirmation on whether the duo would collaborate for a show together.

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Notably, WBD also owns the CNN network, and Barkley’s continued equation with the company could land him his desired role. He added, “I just want to help the company because obviously it is a sh*t show right now…Anything I can do to help.” Additionally, there are two entrants for the streaming rights race after the 2023-24 season.

Apple and Amazon to join the race

Amazon and Apple could lock horns in the bidding battle for online streaming rights. Amazon already has streaming rights for NBA games in Brazil. A report suggested that the bidding price for the online stream could go higher than the TV broadcast. Apart from streaming games, the contract also provides companies to carry out exclusive shows like Inside the NBA.

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What do you make of Charles Barkley’s probable decision to discontinue the $180 Million contract? Let us know in the comments below.