Shaquille O’Neal has reached an agreement on a long-term extension with TNT, securing a deal valued at over $15 million annually, per Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports. The new contract solidifies O’Neal’s role as a central figure on TNT’s Inside the NBA, where he has become one of the most recognizable faces in sports broadcasting.
The extension comes as TNT prepares to begin licensing Inside the NBA to ESPN next season, marking a significant shift in the landscape of pro hoops on television.
While O’Neal’s contract had been set to expire, the deal ensures that the Hall of Famer will remain part of the iconic studio show alongside Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson.
Barkley, Smith, and Johnson had previously signed long-term contracts, but O’Neal’s future with the crew had remained uncertain until now.
O’Neal, whose net worth is estimated to be around $500 million, has established himself as a major presence both on and off the screen. His deal with TNT solidifies his position as one of the highest-paid sports media personalities in the industry.
In comparison, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady currently tops the list of sports media salaries, earning $37.5 million per year with Fox, as McCarthy noted. Barkley ranks second at $21 million annually, while ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is nearing a five-year deal worth $20 million per year.
McCarthy wrote that other prominent figures such as Tony Romo and Troy Aikman also earn $18 million annually with CBS and ESPN, respectively. Pat McAfee, known for his brash style, brings in $17 million per year through his deal with ESPN for licensing his popular show.
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