Shaquille O’Neal’s Salary- How Much Is the $400 Million Rich NBA Legend Paid by TNT?

Shaquille O’Neal isn’t just a dominant personality on the court; he’s a man of talent off it too. Having retired after an illustrious 19-year basketball career, the four-time NBA champion has amassed a staggering $400 million throughout his journey. Even though $400 million seems almost otherworldly in its magnitude, it’s not enough to satisfy Shaq’s thirst for entrepreneurship.

Even after retirement, O’Neal signed a deal to appear as an analyst for the show “Inside the NBA” on TNT back in 2012. Isn’t it amazing? And for the last 16 years, Shaq has been engaged in the same offer, making millions per year. But what is the annual package for the Big Diesel who already has millions?

To share insights about his TNT contract, Shaquille O’Neal sat with the team of Arena Sport in 2023. A glimpse of this interview session was then uploaded to the team’s official YouTube account with the title, “SHAQUILLE O’NEAL FOR TV ARENA SPORT: Jokić wouldn’t be a problem for me.”

Interestingly, Shaquille O’Neal earned $1.5 million to $2 million annually as part of TNT’s show. No doubt, this is also a remarkable package for any retired player. But even this was not enough to keep Shaq in the analyst chair for the remaining years. In October 2022, whispers filled the air, hinting at the possible retirements of icons Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley from their analyst roles.

Locked in for Greatness: Shaq’s TNT Legacy

But just when fans held their breath, Turner Sports intervened. TNT sealed the deal to keep the dynamic quartet—Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson—intact. Not only this, but the team also locked in all four for the foreseeable future. As per the updated contract, Shaq is now making $10 million per year before tax for a 30-minute appearance every week.

Isn’t it amazing? As per his contract, Shaq, 51, would have made $100 million by the time he reaches 60 only with his TNT contract. “I’m just fortunate enough to be working and having a job,” said Shaquille in the same interview session. Still, Shaq is not sure about what the future holds for him.

He added, “But if I lasted long, good. If not, I understand. You know, when you grow up how I grew up, you gotta always have something to fall back on. So if TNT stops tomorrow, I’ll definitely find other things to do.” Now the question is: How many years will he remain part of TNT’s show?