Shaquille O’ Neal is a four-time NBA champion and a certified NBA legend. Over his illustrious career, he won three championships in a row (which hasn’t been done since), starred in movies and television, and found a career after retirement in broadcasting.
Since arriving in 2011, O’Neal has been one of the most notable faces in sports broadcasting. After making the transition following his 19-year playing career, O’Neal has adjusted well to the world of broadcasting, culminating in this massive deal of over $15 million per year.
The deal was described as long-term, but the official details have not been revealed. TNT provided O’Neal with the freedom and platform he desired for broadcasting, likely leading to his signing this lucrative new deal.
Shaquille O’Neal Sticks With TNT
O’Neal has been known as a hilarious broadcaster during his tenure with TNT. His interactions with fellow broadcasters Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson led to their show “Inside The NBA” becoming a crowd favorite.
With an estimated net worth of $500 million, O’Neal has built a portfolio that includes broadcasting, endorsements, and Emmy award victories.
EXCLUSIVE: Shaquille O’Neal has an agreement in place for an enormous long-term deal with TNT Sports that will pay him over $15 million per year, FOS has learned.
Story from @MMcCarthyREV ⬇️
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 14, 2025
There was some concern over O’Neal potentially leaving the fold, especially with the uncertain status of the TNT/ESPN partnership. This new deal puts some of the concern to rest for the time being, but it might be something to watch for after next season.
‘Inside the NBA’ Going Through Changes?
Much has been said about the future of “Inside the NBA,” but there’s a lot at stake. Many expect Kenny Smith to sign an extension to his contract, and Charles Barkley has stated that he would not accept deals from NBC, ESPN, or any others. Ernie Johnson has said that he will be a TNT lifer as well. With this new deal, O’Neal remains with TNT, showing his dedication to the network.
However, the rumblings are that “Inside the NBA” could be coming to an end after next season. Though, this deal would likely signal otherwise. Barkley is under a massive 10-year, $210 million deal set to run through the 2032 season, but the TNT and ESPN exchange that will keep “Inside The NBA” going for at least one more season had a few question marks hanging over it. The first question that seemed to loom was about O’Neal and his involvement.
That question had been put to rest.
What follows this coming season is unknown, but it seems obvious that the band wants to stick together. The rest is up to TNT Sports and ESPN to work out a longer deal together.
But for now, both Barkley and O’Neal are paid and ready for at least one more season together.
