One of the most bittersweet facts of the ongoing NBA season is that it will be the last time ‘Inside the NBA’ will air on TNT! Comprising Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith as hosts, the show has been as important to NBA fans, for more than a decade, as the games themselves. After all, along with providing their analysis before, between, and after each game, the hosts also entertained fans with jokes and pranks.
No one stood out as the ringleader more than Shaq. This may be why even though the future of ‘Inside the NBA’ is still uncertain, the Lakers legend is walking away with a big contract. According to a recent report by Front Office Sports, Shaquille O’Neal has an agreement in place for an enormous long-term deal with TNT Sports. The same is set to pay him over $15 million per year! This agreement would confuse many since Inside the NBA is set to air on ESPN from next season onwards.
Shaq’s contract status was under doubt over the last few days. After TNT lost the rights from the NBA to air the show on their platform, it felt like no guarantee that ‘Inside The NBA’ was seeing its final days. However, back in November, it was revealed that TNT would license the show to broadcast on ESPN and ABC from the 2025-26 season onwards. That was ‘Miracle No 1’. ‘Miracle No 2’ would have been retaining all 4 hosts. Then, back in late January, CNBC reported that O’Neal and Smith were on the verge of re-signing with TNT Sports, with O’Neal speculated to sign a five-year contract, while Smith would ink a multiyear deal too.
EXCLUSIVE: Shaquille O’Neal has an agreement in place for an enormous long-term deal with TNT Sports that will pay him over $15 million per year, FOS has learned.
Story from @MMcCarthyREV
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 14, 2025
This is a developing story.
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