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Former professional basketball player Charles Barkley walks the grounds after the morning session during the Allen & Co. conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., on Thursday, July 13, 2017. The 34th annual Allen & Co. conference gathers many of America’s wealthiest and most powerful people in media, technology, and sports. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-814034992.jpg)
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Former professional basketball player Charles Barkley walks the grounds after the morning session during the Allen & Co. conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., on Thursday, July 13, 2017. The 34th annual Allen & Co. conference gathers many of America’s wealthiest and most powerful people in media, technology, and sports. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Is there no hope for Charles Barkley and TNT? During the announcement of his retirement from broadcasting, Chuck explained that he would only work as an analyst for Turner. And he seems willing to forego the opportunity to earn $200 million. This is quite understandable, given the media veteran has spent over two decades with the company. When asked about the financial aspect, Sir Charles humorously suggested a healthy wager to boost his income.
In a recent interview with NBC reporter John Clark, Barkley was asked about the disadvantages of retirement, particularly the financial matters. The 11-time NBA All-Star responded by joking about playing golf and making simple wagers on Clark’s games to supplement his income. “I can play you in golf and subsidize my income. We’ll be good,” the Phoenix Suns legend said on Takeoff with John Clark.
“I know that’s a shock to you. But, like I say, breaking up our group and us going different directions, that’s not something I’m really looking forward to,” the 61-year-old continued. Barkley has always been candid about his betting habits, but Clark joked that a wager on his game would only get Chuck around $20.
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However, the host quickly redirected the conversation to ask Barkley about his predictions for Philly sports teams. When asked about the choice between the Phillies winning the World Series or the Eagles winning the Super Bowl, the retired NBA player chose the Eagles.
What’s your reaction?
Is Charles Barkley risking it all with this hilarious wager? React!
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UNCASVILLE, CT – SEPTEMBER 09: Charles Barkley speaks to the crowd during the Class of 2022 Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala as part of the 2022 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on September 9, 2022 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
In 2022, the Philadelphia 76ers legend signed a 10-year extension deal with Turner Sports worth $100 million. While a clause allows him to walk out before the end of the contract if TNT fails to secure NBA media rights, Barkley would lose millions while activating the opt-out clause.
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Will Charles Barkley reconsider his retirement decision?
With Barkley already having made an official announcement of his retirement, it’s hard to guess what is next for TNT. Turner’s NBA rights deal is set to expire after the 2024-25 season and the company has not made a final decision on the renewal of the deal.
What’s your perspective on:
Charles Barkley betting for financial support—Genius move or desperate times for the NBA legend?
Have an interesting take?
Despite Barkley stating in the past that he would leave his broadcasting job at 60, Turner Sports inked a deal with him in 2022. But even back then, money wasn’t what convinced Chuck. And he has repeatedly emphasized that money won’t influence his decision in the future either. Having earned $60 million throughout his NBA career, the veteran is content and it doesn’t seem that a lucrative deal will sway him away.
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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.
Debate
Charles Barkley betting for financial support—Genius move or desperate times for the NBA legend?