Since November, it has been known that the future of Inside the NBA involves TNT Sports leasing the beloved studio show to ESPN, but there has been ongoing uncertainty about the cast. A recent report from CNBC’s Alex Sherman indicates that at least two stars of the Warner Bros. Discovery property will stick around, as Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith are both set to re-sign with TNT Sports. O’Neal’s new contract will reportedly last five years, while Smith’s deal is described as “multiyear.” His current contract is expected to expire this year, raising speculation that the Hall of Fame center might explore other opportunities with NBC and Amazon becoming NBA media rights partners in the 2024-25 season.
According to Sherman, both O’Neal and Smith engaged in discussions with NBC and Amazon before opting to extend their contracts with TNT Sports. Although Smith wasn’t a free agent, he had a clause in his contract allowing him some flexibility if Warner Bros. Discovery lost its NBA rights, which occurred during the negotiations for the upcoming deal. In contrast, the status of the show’s third and most prominent analyst, Charles Barkley, remains uncertain. Sherman noted that Barkley’s contract lacks the same flexible clause as Smith’s, though he has publicly speculated about his future and has had discussions with NBC and Amazon.
When it became apparent that TNT would lose its NBA rights, the 1993 NBA MVP initially announced plans to retire, only to later reaffirm his commitment to WBD and Inside the NBA. Although it’s still unclear whether Barkley will fulfill that pledge, it’s now known that if he returns, he will be alongside O’Neal and Smith.
