Turner Sports issued a press release today announcing an agreement had been reached with basketball hall of famer Shaquille O’Neal to remain with the network. The larger than life personality, who’s been a key figure alongside Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson on The NBA on TNT, has come to terms on a multi-year deal.
The company says the extension will expand the scope of Shaq’s responsibilities throughout the WarnerMedia portfolio. Among the duties he’s expected to have moving forward include continuing his role on Inside The NBA, appearing on NBA TV and contributing to NBA.com. His NBA TV airtime will include a new show in development called “The Business of Basketball”.
“Turner Sports is family to me – even you, Chuck – and I’m looking forward to working alongside my talented colleagues as we create many more Shaq-tastic moments in the years to come,” said O’Neal.
O’Neal will also increase his Shaqtin-a-Fool franchise to include new genres and platforms to reach a broader set of fans. He’ll also make appearances on other networks under the Turner umbrella, including CNN, where’s he’ll be part of the network’s New Year’s Eve Live special. He’ll also be involved in projects with Bleacher Report, and his popular podcast will move to WarnerMedia’s Podcast Network in early 2021. The company also hinted that a return to the wrestling ring could happen as well. Turner is partners with the wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling.
“Shaq is so critical to our success, and such a huge part of the heart and soul of our coverage,” said Jeff Zucker, Chairman, WarnerMedia News and Sports. “We are lucky to be able to have him as part of our family every single day, and I am personally so thrilled to see that continue for a long time to come.”
