Charles Barkley ventures into new media territory

From the court to the camera: Barkley’s next big move

Charles Barkley, renowned for his prowess on the basketball court and his candid commentary as an analyst, is embarking on a new journey. After 16 seasons in the NBA and nearly 25 years as a sports analyst, Barkley is set to launch Round Mound Media, a production company aimed at creating diverse content that spans sports and popular culture.

A new partnership with EverWonder Studio

In collaboration with EverWonder Studio, an independent content studio led by Ian Orefice and backed by Jeff Zucker’s RedBird IMI, Barkley’s new venture will focus on producing original documentaries, live telecasts, and scripted content. This partnership is designed to leverage Barkley’s unique vision and storytelling abilities to captivate audiences worldwide.

“Round Mound Media is about creating an outlet for my vision to share compelling, original stories meant to captivate audiences across the world,” said Barkley. “I’ve always looked for projects and relationships that will allow me to be authentic, and hopefully to build my platform for making the world a better place.”

Expanding beyond sports

While Barkley is primarily known for his athletic achievements and broadcasting talent, his new venture aims to explore a broader range of topics. According to Orefice, EverWonder’s CEO, fans will be “surprised by how much content will actually be about culture and about society and entertainment beyond the world of sports.”

Projects in the pipeline

Currently, ten projects are in development, including a definitive long-form documentary about Barkley’s life. Another ambitious project aims to create a series of documentary films, each focusing on untold stories related to basketball, all narrated by Barkley. Additionally, several scripted projects are also in the works.

Continuing ties with Warner Bros. Discovery

Despite his new venture, Barkley will continue his role as an on-air analyst for Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT Sports. TNT Sports will have the first look at all sports-related projects developed by Round Mound Media, ensuring a seamless integration of Barkley’s new and existing roles.

Leadership and vision

Marc Perman, who has managed Barkley for over three decades, will serve as president of the new production company while maintaining his current role with Perman Management, Inc. Perman and Barkley have previously collaborated on projects like the limited series “American Race” for TNT and “The Great Debate With Charles Barkley,” a sports documentary.

“With this new joint venture, we have the backing of a studio that understands and believes in Charles’s creative vision,” said Perman. “EverWonder is an excellent partner to amplify Charles’s unmatched voice and perspective in a way that fans and audiences haven’t seen before.”

EverWonder’s strategic growth

EverWonder Studio, founded by Orefice in 2023, aims to capitalize on the growing demand for non-fiction content across various platforms. The studio has already established a relationship with TNT Sports, producing events like the Players Era Festival, which offers college athletes unique promotional opportunities.

A promising future

Jeff Zucker, who has worked with Barkley at Turner Sports, expressed his excitement about the new venture. “I am absolutely thrilled to watch and support the continued evolution of EverWonder and the growth of Round Mound Media, together,” said Zucker.

Conclusion

Charles Barkley’s foray into media production marks an exciting new chapter in his illustrious career. With Round Mound Media, he aims to bring his authentic voice and unique perspective to a broader audience, exploring stories that transcend the world of sports.

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