Charles Barkley Reveals Shocking Details About His $210 Million Contract and Future!

1. Charles Barkley’s Salary Revelation

Charles Barkley, unlike most other sports media personalities, disclosed his salary on a well-known sports talk show. Although Chris “Mad Dog” Russo once revealed on the Howard Stern Show that he earns $10,000 for each of his appearances on First Take, it’s a show where guests frequently reveal personal information.

On the Dan Patrick Show on Friday, Barkley disclosed his substantial contract figures while discussing his future after the NBA declined Warner Bros. Discovery’s matching offer of Amazon’s deal for a new television package. “There’s been a lot of speculation about my contract, which I find intriguing,” Barkley stated. “But I’ve never disclosed the exact details of my contract. It’s a 10-year contract worth $210 million. We’re entering the third year next year. Turner would need to approach me today or next week and say, ‘We made an error. Would you accept a pay reduction?’ They either have to guarantee the entire 10-year, $210 million contract or ask me to take a pay cut, which I will categorically refuse. There’s absolutely no chance I’ll agree to a pay cut. So, I’ll politely refuse any pay cut, because TNT has treated me well, and they’ll have to guarantee the entire $210 million or Charles Wade Barkley will become a free agent after next year.

“The next few days will be interesting,” Barkley went on. “I won’t accept a pay cut just because you made a mistake, so that’s the situation. But I don’t see them offering a guarantee, so I think I’ll be a free agent next summer.”

Barkley mentioned that he currently plans to retire, a decision he announced at the conclusion of the NBA Finals.

“I adore TNT and the people here,” Barkley told Patrick. “I’m not sure if I want to switch networks.”

Barkley hinted that he might delay his retirement and join another network, although he said “never say never.” He also stated that he and his Inside the NBA colleagues, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal, will “go out with a bang” for the 2024–25 season and will “give everything we got” that year.

2. NBC and the Olympics’ Successful Start in Viewership

The Olympics on NBC have seen a significant increase in viewership. More than 32 million people tuned in to watch the Games on Saturday, a significant increase from the 17 million who watched the first Saturday of the Tokyo Games in 2021.

On Friday, the opening ceremonies attracted 28.6 million viewers, a 60% increase from the Tokyo Games.

3. Interesting In-Stadium Promotion by The Royals

Last week, the Royals launched an in-stadium promotion in which every spectator receives a voucher for a free Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich if a ball hits the foul pole.

So, what happened when the Royals faced the Cubs on Sunday? A Chicago fan denied the entire stadium of their free sandwich when he reached out and caught a ball that was heading straight for the foul pole.

4. Good Morning Football Returns to the NFL Network

Good Morning Football made a memorable return to the NFL Network on Monday, especially for Kyle Brandt.

5. Javy Baez Known to Chase

I found it amusing when the announcer mentioned that Javy Baez “is known to chase” after the Twins’ catcher positioned himself half a foot off home plate. The Twins’ strategy worked flawlessly.

6. SI Media With Jimmy Traina’s Latest Episode

The latest episode of SI Media With Jimmy Traina features a conversation with Fox NFL analyst, Greg Olsen.

Olsen discusses his viral photo from Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo’s wedding, explains his appearance in the photo, and shares his thoughts on wedding etiquette.

Olsen also discusses his role as Fox’s No. 2 analyst for this NFL season, after being the No. 1 analyst for the past two years. He talks about his relationship with Tom Brady and winning the Sports Emmy for Best Sports Event Analyst two years in a row.

Other topics Olsen covered include whether Comedy Central missed an opportunity by not having him roast Tom Brady, what happens at Tight End University, the best tight end of all time, and much more.

Following Olsen, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins for our weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week’s topics include thoughts on CBS and Fox’s NFL booths for 2024, Nick Castellanos’ propensity for homering during big news days, Peacock raising its prices, “Veep” and much more.

You can listen to SI Media With Jimmy Traina on Apple and Spotify.

7. Random Video of the Day

In honor of the Olympics, let’s reminisce about this famous SNL sketch.

Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify or Google. You can also follow Jimmy on Twitter and Instagram.