Charles Barkley is one of the most interesting individuals on TV. The Philadelphia 76ers legend has had a brilliant career in the league. Known as the Round Mound of Rebound in his days, Barkley quickly adapted to his new role. Today, Sir Charles is known for his unabashed attitude and presents an in-depth analysis of the games that take place.
Although Barkley’s harsh words often put him in the crosshairs of athletes, he has proven to be an unstoppable force. Now going into his 23rd year on TV with NBA on TNT, how much money does Sir Charles make?
Charles Barkley’s beginning on TV
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Barkley represented three teams during his time as an active athlete. In his career, he made 11 All-Star appearances, was the league MVP in 1993, and All-Star game MVP in 1991. Although Sir Charles couldn’t win an NBA ring, his legacy is solidified in the NBA’s history books. He retired in 2000 after his last season with the Houston Rockets. Soon after his retirement, Barkley joined the NBA on TNT crew and that kickstarted his glorious career on TV. 23 years later, his reign on TV remains insurmountable alongside old friends Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson.
The crew returned for the new season with Sir Charles shouting “The boys are back in town”, on camera. With yet another successful year in the making for the highly revered crew, Barkley continues to pile up more money for himself.
How much does Charles Barkley make from his show?
Barkley’s income from his show dwarfs what he made as an athlete. Although the times were different when he played, the stark difference is surely something to get inspired by. At the time when he was in the league, athletes didn’t make otherworldly sums of money from their salaries. In his 16-year-long career, Barkley made only $43.6 million. Whereas today, athletes sign extension deals with their clubs worth hundreds of millions. The most amount of money that Sir Charles made in a year was during his last season in the league. He brought in $9 million.
During his appearance on the Dan Patrick Show last year, Barkley revealed how much money he makes off of his TV show. He told Patrick that accounting for the endorsement deals and the TNT salary, he earns somewhere in the ballpark of $20 million a year. The 60-year-old inked his extension deal with TNT last year in October. As per the reports, Barkley will be paid almost $200 million for his 10 years of service on TV. Due to his massive popularity on TV, LIV Golf tried to lure him into their organization. Although the negotiations couldn’t reach a conclusion, it was believed that LIV was keen on the NBA legend.
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Going by his love for golf, that would have been something to look forward to. However, as hoop fans, we’re glad Sir Charles remains involved in the league.
Charles Barkley had plans to retire at age 60
As prolific as the career he’s experiencing, Barkley didn’t want to work after the age of 60. He had stated that on numerous occasions in the past. However, he’s 60 years old now and will be 61 in February next year, and yet, there are no signs of slowing down. Not that we are complaining, but Barkley was adamant about hanging his boots when he hit 60.
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Going by the conditions of his contract with TNT, it’s plausible Sir Charles will be an active voice on TV till he’s 70 and beyond. He does bring a lot to the table with his analysis of the game and his comedic props are second to none. More importantly, Barkley calls it how he sees it and that makes for an absolute treat for all the fans. We can only hope that he will give us many more years on the show, because his amicable presence along with the crew, makes basketball an even better experience.
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