Shaquille O'Neal Reportedly Signs Contract Extension With TNT, Which Will Reportedly Pay Him $15M Annually

Shaquille O’Neal has built a thriving post-NBA career, leveraging his larger-than-life personality and business acumen to secure major brand partnerships, media deals, and entrepreneurial ventures. From endorsements with major corporations to investments in various industries, O’Neal has cemented himself as a powerhouse beyond the court.

Now, he’s extending his presence on television — O’Neal will be staying with TNT.

According to Front Office Sports, the former basketball player turned sports commentator has secured an extension with the network that will earn him $15 million annually.

The future of O’Neal and his “Inside the NBA” co-hosts, Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith,  had been in question after it was announced that TNT lost its NBA media rights to Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video. The three companies entered an 11-year media deal valued at $76 billion, which will take effect in the 2025-26 season, USA Today reports.

“Throughout these negotiations, our primary objective has been to maximize the reach and accessibility of our games for our fans,” the NBA said in a statement, according to USA Today. “Our new arrangement with Amazon supports this goal by complementing the broadcast, cable, and streaming packages that are already part of our new Disney and NBCUniversal arrangements. All three partners have also committed substantial resources to promote the league and enhance the fan experience.”

“Inside the NBA” will now have a new face as Amazon and NBC are working on their shows to cover NBA games. For Amazon, this includes Sports Journalist Taylor Rooks and former NBA Players Blake Griffin and Dirk Nowitzki.

O’Neal, Barkley, and Smith were in talks with Amazon and NBC. Smith reportedly signed a multi-year deal, and all parties mentioned are remaining with TNT.

“I wanna make everything perfectly clear. I’m informing NBC that I will not accept their offer,” Barkley, under a $210 million 10-year contract extension, said on the “Steam Room” podcast. “Imma cancel my future meetings with Amazon. I wanna thank NBC, especially Mark Lazarus, who offered me a contract. I wanna thank the guys at Amazon, but my heart is always and will be at Turner Sports.”