For many years, NBA fans have always looked forward to tuning into TNT’s NBA coverage every week, and not only to watch some of the greatest athletes in the world showcase their talents and skills.
The network’s coverage of the league has shined brightly also because of its postgame show, “Inside The NBA,” which features host Ernie Johnson and former players Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.
After ending a Hall of Fame playing career that spanned 16 seasons in the 1980s and 1990s, Barkley joined the show and became its court jester, entertaining millions with his hot takes and cold jokes.
It looks like fans will continue to enjoy his antics for a long time to come, as he has secured a new 10-year deal to remain with the network.
NEWS: Charles Barkley has a new 10-year deal with TNT that is well north of $100M and likely approaches $200M, The Post has learned.https://t.co/Kq3hESbyMU
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) October 17, 2022
In fact, Johnson, Smith and O’Neal have also signed contract extensions to keep “Inside The NBA” going in its current iteration.
Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal have all signed long-term extensions with TNT, via @Ourand_SBJ
Love to see it. pic.twitter.com/4JKTUFEWZg
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 17, 2022
Needless to say, many around the league, including fans and former players, are very pleased with this development.
And he’s deserves every damn penny!!! Chuck is National Treasure. Carry the hell on… https://t.co/6wacAlt0ND
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) October 17, 2022
Charles: “I’m retiring”
TNT: “will give you 100 plus million dollars”
Charles Barkley: pic.twitter.com/g3vkyfvEqf
— Carlton Banks’ Burner (@cbanksburner) October 17, 2022
Charles Barkley at TNT studios pic.twitter.com/1g02Sk3Amr
— TheHomieJoker🃏 (@TheHomieJoker) October 17, 2022
Yessir!! https://t.co/UwRX9Vh57M
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) October 17, 2022
Do I have any interest in watching Charles Barkley analyze basketball? Absolutely not. Do I have a ton of interest in seeing this man bully Kenny Smith for another 10 years? Absolutely yes. https://t.co/zK0ZZ0a3lG
— local bIogger (@fergoe) October 17, 2022
I straight up was gonna cry if Charles Barkley was gonna retire after this year. Best news ever. NBA on TNT is the best sports show on TV https://t.co/EzHj0LGvoN
— Sir Yacht🛥 (@SirYacht_) October 17, 2022
Charles Barkley being back is legit the best news. Love Chuck on TNT 🙏🏽 https://t.co/n3W1nracqM
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) October 17, 2022
Barkley joined Turner Sports in 2001, and ever since, “Inside The NBA” has become a sports institution, so much so that it has been parodied on many comedy sports, including Saturday Night Live.
This season, fans have lots to look forward to, as there are also many interesting storylines across the league that will be intriguing.
Some may not remember that Barkley was a legendary player back in the day who won a league MVP award in 1993 and led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals the same year.
He was a ferocious rebounder who could also score inside against much bigger and stronger opponents, despite standing at less than 6-foot-5 (he was officially listed at 6-foot-6).
NEXT: A Very Special Group Of NBA Legends Just Signed Extensions