*February 15* — According to *Forbes* sports reporter Michael McCarthy, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is finalizing a massive long-term contract extension with TNT that will pay him an average of **$15 million annually**.
This comes amid reports that the 2023-24 season will mark the final run for TNT’s iconic *Inside the NBA* studio team — featuring Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and O’Neal — after the network failed to retain NBA broadcast rights. ESPN is set to take over the show (likely with a new lineup), while TNT shifts focus to broadcasting Big 12 Conference college football and basketball games.
The 52-year-old O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, has built an empire beyond basketball. His current net worth is estimated to be **$500 million**, per financial reports.
Source: dailynewspapers.in
