Topline
Charles Barkley said he’s open to join LIV Golf as a broadcaster in an interview Thursday with the New York Post, as the Hall of Fame basketball player turned broadcasting legend looks to cash in on a lucrative payday and LIV Golf turns its deep wallet toward developing a respectable media presence.
Phil Mickelson, left and Charles Barkley talk on an Arizona golf course in 2020. The two may soon be … [+]
Key Facts
Barkley told the Post he met with LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman Wednesday in Atlanta and plans to play in the pro-amateur portion of the circuit’s tournament next week in New Jersey.
Barkley said he expects an offer of “serious money” from LIV Golf soon, indicating that it would need to eclipse his $10 million annual salary from TNT as well as his endorsement deals.
The 58-year-old lashed out at pushback about the Saudi government’s human rights record, characterizing the backlash as “selective outrage,” adding “we have all taken ‘blood money.’”
“In a perfect scenario, I would love to do both,” Barkley said, referring to broadcasting for LIV Golf and continuing his role as an NBA analyst at TNT.
Turner Sports, which oversees TNT’s sports coverage, declined to comment following Forbes’ inquiry.
Key Background
Barkley joined TNT’s Inside the NBA in 2000 after he retired from the league and won “Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Analyst” Emmy awards in 2012, 2013 and 2017 for his work on the show. Barkley said in February he planned to retire from broadcasting when his TNT contract ended in 2024, explaining, “I don’t want to die on TV, want to die on the golf course or somewhere fishing.” A passionate golfer with a notoriously wonky swing, Barkley has contributed to TNT’s coverage of celebrity golf events.
What To Watch For
If a Barkley signing brings LIV Golf closer to securing a major television rights deal. The tour’s first two tournaments did not air on any major network or streaming service, and a TV rights deal is likely necessary for LIV Golf to ever turn a profit. Barkley said Thursday he’s “pretty sure” a broadcaster will soon ink a deal with LIV Golf.
Crucial Quote
If a Barkley signing brings LIV Golf closer to securing a major television rights deal. The tour’s first two tournaments did not air on any major network or streaming service, and a TV rights deal is likely necessary for LIV Golf to ever turn a profit. Barkley said Thursday he’s “pretty sure” a broadcaster will soon ink a deal with LIV Golf.
Further Reading
Charles Barkley pushes back on ‘blood money’ outrage with hope to do both TNT and LIV Golf (New York Post)
‘I Don’t Want To Die On TV’: Charles Barkley Plans To Retire From Broadcasting In Two Years (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2022/07/21/charles-barkley-cozies-up-to-liv-golf-and-its-serious-money/