With nineteen Sports Emmy Awards over 35 years, Inside the NBA left an indelible mark on NBA fans. When the NBA inked an 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal with Amazon, NBC, and Disney, it left fans heartbroken at the expected disbandment of the iconic show. As per reports, though, Amazon and NBC are keen to bring the Inside the NBA crew of Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, over to their networks. However, the idea remains on hold as Ernie Johnson’s loyalty to TNT keeps him from making the move. Despite the upheaval, a former NBA star sparked hope among fans with a hilarious yet intriguing idea to reunite the beloved cast.

Recently on his podcast, 7x NBA Champion Robert Horry delved into the financial motivations behind the NBA’s media partnerships. He pointed out that companies like NBC and Amazon can afford the high costs because of their deep pockets. “When the rights double, when the money doubles, these tech companies are not going to have an issue paying,” Horry noted on the Big Shot Bob podcast. Now with reports of the new broadcasters wanting the crew back, what is it going to take?

Charles Barkley recently hinted that he might consider joining the new team, though this possibility is still up in the air. Horry, however, had a different perspective on 4× NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal’s potential move. “If somebody’s gonna throw a bunch of money at Shaquille, he’s gonna take it. Probably Kenny too,” he asserted. Even though O’Neal and Smith might entertain such a deal if offered, it wouldn’t be the same Inside the NBA without their old mates.

Having worked for Turner Sports for over 30 years, Ernie wants to remain loyal to the network and reportedly doesn’t even want to entertain the idea of leaving. Reflecting on this, Horry humorously hinted at a way NBC could lure Ernie Johnson away: “If you’ve got to pay us a hundred million to use him, they let him use him.”

Discussing the negotiations between the NBA and TNT, Horry criticized the league’s decision to prioritize future prospects over loyal fans. He revealed that even though Warner Bros. matched Amazon’s offer, the NBA chose to move forward with the tech giant. “I hate the scenario. The NBA is dumb because you’re taking things away from the fans,” he lamented. Horry also claimed that many people watch NBA on TNT more for the commentary than the actual games.

Charles Barkley voiced concerns over job security amidst new NBA deal

11× NBA All-Star Charles Barkley, one of the most beloved members of Inside the NBA, recently shared his thoughts on the impact of the NBA’s new media rights deal. “I’m not too worried about me, to be honest with you; I am worried about the other people who work there,” he said. Barkley highlighted the potential job losses that could result from the shift.

He pointed out that while he and the main cast—Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith—would likely be fine, many others would not be so lucky. However, in another interview, he hinted at a potential move to Amazon if the offer is right.

Barkley also placed some of the blame on their bosses for missing the opportunity to retain the NBA rights. He recounted their initial reaction: “I think the first thing is, they came out and said we didn’t need the NBA,” Barkley revealed. Although their bosses believed TNT could survive without NBA broadcasts, Barkley disagreed. “Well, he doesn’t need it, but the rest of the people, me, Kenny, Ernie, Shaq, and the rest of the people who work there, we need it.”

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.