TNT Salary vs NBA Earnings: Know More About $60 Million Rich Charles Barkley’s Career

Drafted into the league by the Philadelphia 76ers, Charles Barkley went on to become one of the big names in the NBA. However, his earnings in the league did not grow as rapidly as his gameplay did. In fact, the highest salary for ‘Chuck’ in a single season is reported to be $9 million. But whatever amount he lacked in the league, he somewhat made up for it through his ‘Inside the NBA’ earnings.      

The former Philadelphia 76ers star first appeared on TNT’s show in 2000. Since then, all the cast members have been among fan favorites for their insights and camaraderie. So, let’s have a closer look at how Barkley’s earnings as a beloved analyst differ from his earnings as a revered NBA star.

Charles Barkley’s NBA earnings

As per the information on Celebrity Net Worth, the former power forward’s present net worth is $60 million. As for his earnings from the league, he amassed $40.6 million, but these earnings do not account for his entire net worth. If anything, they simply reflect the amount of money he made playing with three different franchises throughout his NBA career.

The 76ers star started his rookie season with $307k, but this amount gradually increased season-per-season. The celebrity net worth states that by season 1991-92, not only was he delivering impressive stat figures but also earning impressive figures for himself ($3.2 million). But one thing that he could not achieve in his 6 seasons with the team was an NBA championship, so the 76ers had no option but to trade him to the Phoenix Suns.

Landing in the Suns with $9.1 million earnings from the 76ers, Charles did not let the trade affect his performance. In fact, in his first season with the team itself, the power forward grabbed his first NBA MVP award. Playing ahead with the team, ‘Chuck’ dedicated his career’s 4-seasons to the Suns, during which he reportedly earned $14.5 million.

However, he failed to claim an NBA championship during these 4 seasons as well, and thus came the time when he demanded a trade to a contender. Though his priority is said to be the Chicago Bulls, the destiny had Houston Rockets planned for the 11x All-Star. Barkley could not have complained much since the Rockets had won the 1994 and 1995 championships back then. But little did he know that Michael Jordan would make a comeback in the league, not only to end the Rockets’ winning streak but for his second 3-peat as well. Subsequently, Barkley’s NBA journey ended in 2000 without a ring. But, he entered a new chapter of his life the same year, which was TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’.

Barkley’s earnings from ‘Inside the NBA’

The former 76ers star’s transition from an NBA star to an analyst was not only quick but successful as well. As stated above, the fans showed immense love and support for the show — a tradition that has continued through the years. So much so that at one point, the show was making him $20 million a year, as disclosed by Barkley himself on the ‘Dan Patrick Show’.

But what came next — a 10-year extension worth over $100 million — was even better for the former NBA star. Not only did this contract hold the possibility of approaching $200 million in the future but it had an opt-out clause as well, in case Warner Bros. Discovery ever lost its NBA rights. This clause can come in handy now that there are rumors of WBD actually losing these rights. However, Adam Silver’s recent statement has once again stirred the pot of possibilities for the show. 

“Who knows…We’re all still talking. Who knows how it’s gonna work out…” the NBA commissioner told TMZ Sports regarding ongoing negotiations with different networks. But even if TNT loses its show, reports suggest Charles Barkley could draw offers of up to $20 million per year. But Chuck opting for a different network if it does not work with TNT is a different story.  

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.