In October 2022, Charles Barkley signed a 10-year deal with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) network TNT reportedly worth more than $100 million.
The deal involves continuing to host the show Inside the NBA.
The outspoken former NBA star is now in talks with CNN, also a Warner Bros. Discovery property, to host a primetime show on the 24-hour news network.
"According to sources, @CNN is in talks with TNT’s Charles Barkley to host a news-oriented primetime show," tweeted Sports Business Journal. "Last year, Barkley signed a 10-year extension with Warner Bros. worth over $100M.
Barkley is well-known to have a broad range of opinions on subjects beyond sports, and those could lead to informative and entertaining ideas for television news and commentary.
CNN chairman and CEO Chris Licht is in negotiations with basketball Hall-of-Famer Barkley to have him on a show interviewing "newsmakers, journalists, and other guests about various topics of the day," according to Sports Illustrated.
Regarding Inside the NBA, Shaquille O'Neal was already committed to a long term deal. Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith were also signed to new contracts.
"We’re all a big family -- Ernie, Kenny and Shaquille are brothers to me -- and I wouldn’t still be here if it wasn’t for them and all the amazing people who work on our show,” Barkley told the New York Post in October. "I’m not gonna lie, though, this is a life-altering deal … and I’m blessed to be able to do live television for a living."
"I don't want to work till the day I drop dead," Barkley told the Dan Patrick Show, as reported in a tweet.
"As usual, Barkley’s appearance on the show was great because of his honesty," Sports Illustrated wrote. "When asked about signing such a lucrative deal, Sir Charles said, 'If I don’t have enough money by now, I’m a big idiot.'"
"Barkley also said he still does commercials and endorsements to cover his gambling losses," Sports Illustrated continued. "He may or may not be kidding with that one."
