Charles Barkley is launching a new production venture with big plans to enter the screenplay, documentary and live programming space.
The former NBA star and current TNT Sports analyst will launch Round Mound Media in partnership with EverWonder Studio, with backing from Jeff Zucker's RedBird IMI. Barkley's longtime manager, Marc Perman, will be president of Round Mound in addition to leading its management company.
TNT Sports will have a first-look deal with Round Mound, with Barkley recently reaffirming his commitment to remaining with the company as an on-air commentator regardless of what happens to his NBA rights. The company already has 10 projects in development, including the “definitive” documentary about Barkley's life.
“Round Mound Media aims to create an outlet for my vision of sharing compelling and original stories intended to captivate audiences around the world,” Barkley said in a statement. “I have always sought projects and relationships that allow me to be authentic and hopefully build my platform to make the world a better place. EverWonder Studio is the perfect partner to be my creative home and take it to the next level. Fans will love what we have in the works and I'm excited to get started.
EverWonder, led by former Time Studios boss Ian Orefice, launched last year as the first company backed by Zucker's RedBird IMI. It has made sports-related content a priority, with plans to launch an NIL-focused college sports event, the Players Era Festival.
Barkley and Zucker, of course, have known each other since Zucker's days at WarnerMedia, where he ran both CNN and Turner Sports.
“Charles has established himself as one of the most influential voices in sports media and this joint venture aims to create opportunities to take that experience and passion for storytelling to the next level,” Orefice said. “We couldn't be more honored and excited to support and collaborate with Charles and Marc on this new journey, especially in this dynamic landscape of sport and the world at large.”
“With this new joint venture, we have the backing of a studio that understands and believes in Charles' creative vision and will enhance his prolific ideas,” Perman added. “EverWonder is an excellent partner to amplify Charles' unmatched voice and perspective in a way fans and audiences have never seen before, and we can't wait to bring these new opportunities to the screen.”