What's next with Inside the NBA after the potential NBC takeover? / News - Basketnews.com

Following reports of NBC potentially taking over NBA broadcasting from TNT, uncertainties loom over the future of the iconic "Inside the NBA" crew, including the potential departure of key members and the show's continuation without its stalwart host, Ernie Johnson.

Credit: AFP-Scanpix Credit AFP-Scanpix

The NBA is preparing for its next round of media rights deals, and TNT's parent company, Warner Bros., faces the risk of losing the broadcast rights it's held since 1989.

With TNT's deal set to expire after the next season, NBC is reportedly poised to swoop in with a reported $2.5 billion offer, potentially edging out TNT.

According to insights from The Ringer's Bill Simmons, NBC is primed to take over NBA broadcasting duties from TNT once the new media rights agreement is inked.

This shift would likely signal the end of an era for the famed "Inside the NBA" crew -- Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson -- as they might no longer appear on TV screens starting from the 2025-26 season.

During a recent appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show," Barkley hinted at the potential for him to become a free agent if TNT loses the NBA, though uncertainties linger regarding the contract statuses of Smith and O'Neal.

Johnson, the stalwart lead host of TNT's NBA coverage for 35 years, reportedly intends to stick with the network.

"I don't know how it works without Ernie," Barkley said. "And I can't speak for NBC. I don't know if they'd want all three of us. Our show won't be the same without Ernie. Ernie is the most important person on our show."

According to Chad Finn of Boston.com, it's doubtful that if WBD and TNT lose the NBA, Barkley, Smith, and O'Neal would stick together for another network. Essentially, if WBD doesn't keep the NBA, a studio show unlike any other will disappear.

"Inside the NBA" has consistently ranked among the best sports analysis shows on American TV, having won eighteen Sports Emmy Awards throughout its history.

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