After months of speculation about how the NBA will proceed with its media rights situation, it is finally official. Earlier today, the league announced that it has accepted the 11-year, $76 billion deal that would hand broadcasting rights to ESPN and ABC, along with newcomers Amazon Prime Video and NBC. With this, the highly viewed ‘Inside the NBA’ is brought to an unexpected pause, and maybe even to an end. The broadcasting careers of Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson Jr. are in doubt as well and while the 19x Sports Emmy winners won’t go off the air till next season ends, the reality has hit many hard.

In light of this update, Stephen A. Smith highlights his belief about where the blame truly lies. Giving a free pass to the ‘Inside the NBA’ hosts, the 56-year-old blamed the “brass at TNT” for this debacle, indicating, “when they alluded to how unimportant the NBA was to the brand itself and the resistance that they gave in reaching a new deal.” Now, the network is set to lose hundreds of millions in profits. Fortunately, if the ‘Inside the NBA’ hosts were to start their job hunt, Smith has got them covered with his testimonial.

“Anybody who can get their hands on Barkley, Shaq, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson should do it. Even if it’s ESPN, because yes, I cover the NBA, and I think I do a pretty good damn job of covering it, but those brothers are phenomenal,” he said. “And they’re all my brothers. And I root for them every day, all day, all the time.”

Calling them a ‘tribute to the league’, Smith believed that the fans should not be deprived of their hilarious banters and charismatic personalities that made ‘Inside the NBA’ what it was. Smith indicated not minding if the crew even went somewhere else, adding, “Somehow, some way, there will be a platform available to them, whether it’s ESPN, ABC, whether it’s Amazon, whether it’s NBC, something to keep that team intact. It is an honor and privilege to have them available to watch.”

Speculation about the possible end to ‘Inside the NBA’ reached new heights in June, when a Wall Street Journal article confirmed the existence of a new deal between the NBA and the other major networks. According to a report by ‘Morningstar’, losing the rights could cost TNT and its parent company, Warner Bros Discovery, up to $600 million annually! Given that the company is currently $40 billion in debt, its stock has gone down by 31.72% over the last 12 months, and down 72% over the past half-decade, this would be the last position they would have wanted to be in.

Fortunately, the saga is not looking to be over yet! According to the Athletic, the NBA declining Warner’s offer and going with Amazon could set the stage for a legal fight. Even though the dispute can be ruled in the favour of either party, whenever or if that happens, the current debacle will make Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley plan for the road ahead.

What does the future hold for Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley?

Shaquille O’Neal may not have had as long of a broadcasting career as his co-panelists. However, his 13-year run on ‘Inside the NBA’ created many memorable moments and established him as an on-screen presence that fans would not want to let go of that easily. The same goes for Charles Barkley, who has often been on the receiving end of jokes and pranks from Big Diesel. With TNT’s end, either the duo could land at the same destination or go their separate ways.

Back in 2020, Shaq signed a 10-year extension deal with Turner Sports. Opting out of the same will allow him to become a free agent. While it is not yet known how Amazon will handle their newly confirmed acquisition of the television rights, the network has earlier used former players as their on-air talent on ‘Thursday Night Football.’ If something similar could be created in regards to the NBA, and the network can pick up the tab for Shaq (which they most probably can), then Amazon could be his landing spot.

Stephen A. Smith’s remarks indicated that ESPN may look to acquire the legend and everyone else, even though it may take the spotlight away from himself. On the other hand, reports indicate that NBC may build their own crew and they can take in a few hosts from TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ to keep things interesting.

As for Charles Barkley, his disdain for ESPN is quite well-known. Holding to the belief that the network would allegedly make him work for long hours and pay less, an alliance between them may be out of the picture.He has already announced that he plans to retire from television broadcasting after the 2024-25 season. Therefore, he may not head to any networks, be it major or minor. Before that, however, he had indicated that he may offer his co-hosts contracts! “I’ve talked to the guys about everybody signing with my production company,” said Barkley. “I would love to do that if (TNT loses the NBA).”

What do you think will happen?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.