Tensions Between Adam Silver and TNT Could Dissolve Through Shaquille O’Neal After Massive Betrayal

Once on the verge of a legal battle with TNT, Adam Silver can’t appreciate Inside the NBA enough now. During his recent appearance on The Big Podcast, the NBA commissioner got into discussing the concerns around league viewership. And how the commentary aspect could help boost the viewership value and maybe the numbers, too.

Instead of typical commentary, Silver wants a deeper outlook on the ‘Why and What’ part of things. However, it seems that the NBA commissioner has already realized the importance of TNT’s Inside the NBA as one such outlet at the league’s disposal.

Admitting it’s the league’s responsibility to give out in-depth stories about the game from all different angles, he said, “Thanks to Turner [Sports’] Inside the NBA; nobody does it better than you guys. Which gives me an opportunity to say to Shaq: Shaq, keep the band together.“

This comes from Silver despite the fact he once faced allegations of almost depriving the fans of their beloved show, Inside the NBA. Yep, fans at one point feared for the fate of the show when Adam Silver’s NBA snubbed TNT and entered into contracts for broadcasting with NBC, Discovery, and Amazon.

“Everything about this show makes watching the NBA so much more entertaining. The other national networks are square in comparison,” wrote one social media user, clearly highlighting the emotions of the majority of NBA fans until the league negotiated its terms regarding TNT.

The negotiations, however, didn’t come without a fear of legal battle. When TNT didn’t land the contract, its parent company, Warner Bros. and Discovery, filed a lawsuit. The claim was that the NBA didn’t honor the clause in their contract that should’ve granted them broadcasting rights upon matching Amazon’s offer.

To avoid any legal hassle, the NBA reached an arrangement under which TNT will now still license Inside the NBA. But the show would be moved to ESPN. But was it also because Silver, too, realized the importance of the show for the ratings of his league?

From his recent comments on The Big Podcast, the possibility is very real. Especially considering he takes no offense to even Inside the NBA crew criticizing the league. Does the criticism only benefit the league?

At least that’s what Silver believes.

Adam Silver opens up on Inside the NBA criticizing his league

If you’ve ever watched Inside the NBA, you know it’s not your typical post-game analysis. It’s bold, unfiltered, and sometimes downright brutal when discussing players and the league. Jason McIntyre, co-host of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, however, once pointed out how the show frequently trashes players and critiques the league’s style of play.

From calling out the obsession with three-pointers to highlighting issues with player attitudes, the show’s raw honesty often shapes how fans see the game. But does this bluntness hurt the NBA’s image? NBA Commissioner Adam Silver doesn’t think so.

Joining Colin Cowherd on The Herd, Silver shared his perspective on the candid remarks from Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson.

When asked if he’s ever asked the TNT crew to tone it down, Silver’s response was as honest as the show itself: “Never, ever, ever.” Silver compared their critiques to a family gathering, saying, “It’s your uncle at the Thanksgiving Day table… You know, this is, it’s the family. They have the credibility… I think it generates MORE interest in the league.” 

No wonder that Adam Silver is attempting to improve his relations with Inside the NBA crew while desiring the cast to stay together for league broadcasting.