Talk about the power of persuasion.
For the past few years, former NBA great Charles Barkley, made it clear that he was unlikely to work past 2016 when his contract at Turner was set to expire.
Barkley came through for the audience that loves him though — signing an extension through the 2024-25 NBA season.
According to reports, Turner wooed Barkley with more than just money.
How’d Turner broadcasting swing that? With $1,700 worth of wine and tequila. There was also a lavish, multi-course Italian dinner, but $1,700 worth of wine and tequila.
In an effort to keep all of the parts of their winning Inside the NBA crew, Turner broadcasting president Turner Broadcasting System president David Levy and other Turner executives traveled to Scottsdale to visit Barkley in-person, at his home, and convince him to stay.
“Prior to the in-person meeting, a six-hour Italian feast featuring two magnums of 2009 Bond Estates St Eden Napa Valley Red, two bottles of 1942 Don Julio tequila and plates of pasta and meatballs – the Turner management group had gathered to determine a game plan on how to keep the Inside the NBA crew for the long-term.”
That will definitely make the round-mound of rebound feel appreciated.
Barkley was so impressed, he worked out a deal without his agent.
“My agent never got involved. That’s how much respect I have for David. David bought two bottles of wine, two bottles of tequila and we killed them. The money at this stage of my life does not matter. At this stage of my life, I’m not concerned about money. I shook David’s hand and said, ‘We got a deal.’ I told my agent, ‘We are not haggling or negotiating. Do the deal.’”