Just days ago, the Supreme Court announced a revolutionary decision. It set new limits on affirmative action in cases involving race as a criterion for admission. The Court’s call drew mixed reactions, including from the POTUS, Joe Biden. Joining along the President’s cries, even Charles Barkley strongly stood against the ruling. He felt it would affect students of his community. It was a “shot across the bow,” he said.

While he is an outspoken and bold analyst, Sir Charles often stands at the front of social justice. The 60-year-old is also politically active, so he took matters into his own hands. Carving out light in a dim situation, the TNT analyst altered his will to support African-American students. Barkley decided to leave $5 million to Auburn solely for the scholarship of African-American students.

The amount is enough to make a significant impact on the lives of many. But just how is Charles Barkley, an NBA legend, able to make such a generous contribution?

Charles Barkley had a successful NBA career

The Round Mound of Rebound is how Barkley was recognized as an NBA power forward. He was massive and able to use his size to bully his way to the rim. The Phoenix Suns legend enjoyed a decorated career, playing for 16 seasons. At his peak, Charles Barkley was an MVP, locking horns with Michael Jordan. His freakish athleticism and overwhelming strength arguably make him one of the greatest forwards in NBA history. He made a hefty $73 million in salaries when adjusted to the inflation, according to Hoops Hype.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t his days as an NBA superstar that earned him the most money. It was Charles Barkley’s career on television that allowed him to exponentially grow his empire.

Barkley broke through as an analyst with TNT

The Chuckster was born on the sets of Inside the NBA. The crew of Shaquille O’Neal, Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson have entertained the NBA audience for over two decades. Barkley began his journey in 2000. The hysterical sequences and Barkley’s candid breakdown of stars made him a hit. In 2012, Barkley became a champion, an achievement that eluded him in his NBA career. He won a Sports Emmy for ‘Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Analyst’. In the following year, he defended the title.

Apart from his personal accolades, Inside the NBA has become one of the most celebrated sports television programs in history. The tightly bonded crew was clearly adored by the fans. And so just last year, TNT signed everyone to a deal that reportedly extends for 10 years.

Watch This Story: “Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, LeBron James—Stars who were inspired by high school coaches”

Barkley’s contract could reportedly fetch him $100 million. If he plays out the entire duration, the figure could tease the $200 million mark.
Lastly, there was a fortune-turning deal that was orchestrated by Barkley’s former best friend – Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan helped Charles Barkley make 10 times his money

Back when Nike was only a come-up, they saw potential in MJ and Sir Charles. We all know how Jordan’s legacy turned out to be. He became a billionaire solely from his income through the Jordan brand. Much of it was due to his royalty-based deal. At the time, Barkley wasn’t as educated in such contracts. Before Jordan’s intervention, he was making $3 million a year. However, one talk forever changed Charles Barkley’s financial future.

Jordan told Barkley to split his contract into income and stock options. According to Barkley, the advice repaid him ten times the initial amount. Moreover, he continues to stay with Nike to this day. Barkley also has endorsement deals with FanDuel, T-Mobile, McDonald’s, and more that fetch him anywhere between $5 million-$10 million.

READ MORE-Mirroring $1,000,000,000 Worth Rapper, Charles Barkley Plunges Huge Gap At Prime Time Deion Sanders’ Former House

All in all, Charles Barkley has a reported net worth of $70 million. Several key figures helped the Hall of Famer create such a diverse portfolio. And now, he is all invested in helping others as much as possible.