The golf world was shocked when it was revealed that NBA Hall of Fame forward and TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley would be meeting with LIV Golf for a potential broadcast role.
Potentially joining the Saudi-backed tour would put his role with Turner Sports in jeopardy, and Barkley discussed that possibility on Tuesday.
The basketball legend went on The Dan Patrick Show where he revealed that he has yet to receive a formal offer from LIV Golf. He also stated that he does not want to keep Turner Sports in limbo about his decision and that he will set a deadline when it comes to LIV finally making their offer.
“Well I’m going to give them a deadline,” said Barkley. “The deadline is going to be Thursday (July 28). I’m playing in the Pro-Am Thursday. I don’t even know if I’m playing in the morning or in the afternoon but at some point, we’re going to talk.
“I’m not going to keep TNT in limbo. To be honest with you, I don’t think that is fair to them. They have gotten plenty of play out of me by going to play there Thursday. I’m not just going to be some show pony. Don’t be wasting my time, and I won’t waste your time.”
"When I leave New Jersey Thursday night, when I leave the golf course (#LIV Pro-AM), if I don't have an offer in hand, it's over."
-Charles Barkley sets a deadline for an offer from #LIV pic.twitter.com/hfPdZPzGHc
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) July 25, 2022
He then finished talking about the topic with a very direct message for LIV, telling them that they need to act before Thursday.
“When I leave the golf course in New Jersey Thursday night, if I don’t have an offer in hand it’s over,” said Barkley.
Barkley also revealed that he makes around $20 million per year with Turner Sports and that he would go to LIV Golf if they tripled his salary to headline their media team.
Charles Barkley discusses what type of offer it would take for the #LIV Tour to get him. pic.twitter.com/RGyj4igK22
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) July 25, 2022
It certainly seems like Barkley has his mind made up and is ready to walk if LIV Golf doesn’t act quickly, which has garnered a ton of reactions around the golf world.
Charles Barkley admits to Dan Patrick he makes around $20 million a year. Patricks asks if LIV triples the salary, would he go to LIV. Barkley said yes.
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) July 25, 2022
Charles Barkley on @dpshow when asked about joining LIV Tour, “If they triple my salary…your first question better be where are we celebrating tonight?”
— Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) July 25, 2022
While players like Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson are very notable additions to their tour, bringing on Barkley would undoubtedly be the biggest name to join their product.
It will likely come down to how much LIV is willing to offer Barkley, and if that amount is worth the backlash that he will receive in the process.
Whether or not he ultimately decides to join, it sounds like we will have a resolution one way or the other in the next coming days.
