SUMMARY
- Warner Brothers Discovery is still fighting for a contract renewal with the NBA while NBC gave a $2.5 billion bid.
- Even if WBD fails to win against NBC, Ernie Johnson will remain as their lead host.
The iconic “Inside the NBA” show has been a big part of sports entertainment over the years, especially in the basketball scene. Unfortunately, the deal between Warner Brothers Discovery and the NBA is reaching its end and there is no guarantee of a renewal. They’ve been a part of multiple halftime reports and have played a huge part in announcing regular season accolades and hosting All-Star Weekend segments of the league.
Would rather have ESPN lose rights over tnt
— s (@trillsamsonite) May 2, 2024
@NBA keep TNT, it’ll be the worst decision to get rid of them
— Kobe2460 (@kobe2460mvp) May 3, 2024
Every single fan would prefer TNT over ESPN. Literally every single one.
— August (@TotalDepravity0) May 2, 2024
This is horrible tragic news. It’s the best show on tv.
— BVal (@bry_alonzo) May 2, 2024
Fans are in total disbelief and many believe Adam Silver will make a huge mistake by not renewing a deal with WBD. One fan said, “Would rather have ESPN lose rights over TNT.” Another fan added, “@NBA keep TNT, it’ll be the worst decision to get rid of them.” Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith co-host Inside the NBA along with Hall of Fame media personality Ernie Johnson.
Turner Sports Media will keep Ernie Johnson when if the NBA deal collapses
Ernie Johnson was who Inside the NBA was formed around and he has been with WBD’s Turner Sports Media for 35 years. A source told Sports Business Journal that Johnson will remain with Turner even if the NBA parts ways with the company. He is likely to remain as the lead studio host for NCAA Men’s Basketball and the MLB as well.
Despite being an award-winning show that several other networks have tried to replicate over the years, WBD would have to put up a massive fight to get picked over companies like ESPN, Amazon, ABC, NBC Universal, and many more. Sources claim that David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Brothers Discovery would either need to match or exceed what NBC’s reported $2.5 billion bid for an annual package.
The least the TNT would be able to come to terms with is settling for only Thursday night NBA games. This is the only chance that TNT will be able to keep their iconic four-man squad in the studio.
Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley’s television run may end with TNT
It is no secret that Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley have side quests to attend to that also generate big money. Barkley stated that he signed his most recent 10-year deal with an opt-out clause to become a free agent if TNT gets rejected by the NBA. Barkley was also offered lucrative contracts by various companies to become the face of the screen just like Johnson has been for TNT over the years. Sources claim that ESPN could offer Chuck a deal if TNT fails to make a comeback.
“I wanted to make sure that if we lost the NBA in 2 years, I could be a free agent,” – Charles Barkley on if TNT loses the NBA TV rights.
Charles also talks about the future of ‘Inside the NBA’ pic.twitter.com/hyDIVcUapy
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) May 1, 2024
On the other hand, O’Neal has his own set of ventures to take of care. He has his own podcast called “The Big Podcast” that’s currently doing well. The former NBA Champion has fifty other businesses and he’s also the President of Basketball at Reebok. Shaq has his own production house and is affiliated with companies with Krispy Kreme, Papa John’s, and 24 Hour Fitness. Shaq’s television run is likely to end if TNT does not get a new NBA deal.