"Ernie, Kenny, Shaquille are brothers to me... I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them" - Charles Barkley reveals reason behind signing a lucrative extension with TNT, mentions it's a "life-altering deal"

Charles Barkley recently signed a massive ten-year deal that is reportedly between $100-$200 million with TNT.

The former NBA MVP has made a name for himself post-retirement as an analyst on one of the most popular sports talk shows, "Inside the NBA." Barkley has featured on the show alongside Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson.

Upon signing the deal, Barkley said he wouldn't continue if not for his co-panelists, who he considers his brothers. He also didn't hesitate to state that the lucrative offer also played a part in his extension with TNT.

"We're all a big family. Ernie [Johnson], Kenny [Smith], Shaquille [O'Neal] are brothers to me, and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them and all the amazing people who work on our show," said Barkley (via NBA on TNT).

"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."

TNT's "Inside the NBA" has produced some great moments, especially since Shaquille O'Neal came on board in 2011. Since then, the quartet of him, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson, have won fans over with their antics.

Their camaraderie and frequent banter add a different flavor to their presentation of marquee games. Barkley has been integral to that style, and having him on board for at least another ten years could see the show maintain and grow in popularity.

---

TNT extends deals with Charles Barkley's co-hosts Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson

TNT has not just extended Charles Barkley's deal. They've also tied his co-hosts Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson to long-term contracts. Details of the sum and length of their new deals haven't been disclosed yet.

Luis Silberwasser, Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery, the conglomerate associated with TNT, recently spoke about their partnership with the NBA and the Inside Crew. He said (via The Hollywood Reporter):

“Our partnership with the NBA is very important to us and this long-term agreement with the 'Inside the NBA' team is recognition of their significance to that relationship.

"'Inside the NBA' epitomizes the creativity and innovative spirit we’ve established throughout our successful, long-standing partnership with the league."

TNT is betting on reaching an agreement on an extension with the NBA after their current deal ends upon the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA season.

The two organizations have recorded a successful partnership so far. A long-term extension could be on the cards, especially with TNT signing Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson to new deals.

Fans will be excited to see the quartet on TV again, with the 2022-23 NBA season set to get underway in less than 24 hours. TNT will provide live coverage of the opening-night games between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics, and the LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors.