News broke on Saturday that Warner Bros. Discovery and ESPN struck a deal that will see WBD continue to produce the iconic Inside the NBA studio show, featuring Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal, after this season and license it to ESPN. TNT will no longer air NBA games after this season, but Inside the NBA will remain a TNT property and air on ESPN beginning with the 2025–26 season. However, as of now, there is one problem with the cast. Sources say O’Neal’s contract with WBD expires on July 1, 2025. O’Neal has a slightly different deal than his three castmates because they do other things for WBD, including the NCAA tournament. Shaq’s deal is strictly for the NBA and it’s up in about eight months. While sources say Shaq wants to remain on the show, he’s frustrated that there has been congratulations and press releases hyping that Inside the NBA is remaining the same while he is currently not under contract to be with the company next season.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Source: Sports Illustrated
More on this storyline
Barry Jackson: Notably, TNT will continue to produce “Inside the NBA” (for ESPN) from Atlanta, meaning no mingling of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaq with Stephen A., etc. -via x.com / November 18, 2024
In essence, not much will change except where to find the show on your TV screens. “This is a win-win scenario for fans,” one source tells FOS. “The best sports show on TV survives. The Chuckster gets to say whatever the hell he wants. And ESPN finally gets their hands on Barkley and Inside the NBA.” Another source added: “Charles will be Charles. ESPN might want to cover their ears.” -via Front Office Sports / November 18, 2024
