‘Inside the NBA’ is arguably the most beloved studio sports show of all-time, but its future is in serious jeopardy.
With the NBA’s broadcast deals expiring in the summer of 2025, The Wall Street Journal’s Joe Flint reports that NBC is making a major push to steal the NBA from TNT as they prepare to offer 2.5 billion dollars per year. This could spell the end of an era for the hugely popular quartet of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.
It’s theoretically possible for another network to recruit some or all of the ‘Inside’ guys over time, but their varying contractual situations are bound to complicate matters. Ernie Johnson, for example, does other work for Turner and has worked for the company for most of his professional life.
In a recent appearance on ESPN Cleveland’s The Really Big Show, Charles Barkley said he could get out his 10-year contract with TNT if the network lost its NBA rights, and was prepared to do so.
“I covered my ass to be honest with you,” Barkley said. “I just signed a 10-year deal two years ago, but one of the things I did was I put an opt-out in a couple years because I wanted to cover my ass when it comes to this situation.”
Barkley’s deal raises questions about whether any of his ‘Inside’ colleagues have similar clauses in their contracts.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Inside The NBA.
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