The NBA and TNT have finally put an end to their differences over broadcasting rights. According to the new deal that TNT failed to be a part of, the NBA has agreed to 11-year media rights with The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video, effective from 2025-26 to 2035-36 seasons. Though, initially, a tough pill to swallow for the fans of TNT’s Inside the NBA, they finally have something to rejoice over,

The news of Inside the NBA moving to ESPN and ABC next season with $350 million profit marked a significant shift in sports broadcasting. After months of legal trouble and uncertainty, the fan-favorite cast including Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith will be returning next season. However, this optimism has hit a roadblock with the revelation that Shaquille O’Neal, a cornerstone of the show’s success, has not signed a contract to continue. So what could this entail now?

What impact ‘Inside the NBA’ can have on Shaquille O’Neal’s absence

Inside the NBA began in 1989, soon after the network had acquired broadcasting rights. It was hosted by Ernie Johnson, whose steady professionalism gave the program its foundation. The game-changer came in 1998 and 2000 when Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley joined the show whose outspoken and comedic style turned the show into must-watch television.

The chemistry between Ernie, Charles, and Kenny Smith was electric, but the 2011 addition of Shaquille O’Neal took Inside the NBA to new heights and his larger-than-life personality, playful feuds with Barkley, and unique perspective as a four-time NBA champion brought a fresh energy to the panel.

The success that followed had the crew of four reportedly signing a 10-year contract in 2022. Shaq, however, even had an opt-out option in his current contract. In addition to the $292 million in NBA wages and $200 million in endorsements, he receives a salary of about $10 million per season. However, this recent revelation that Shaq does not have a proper contract with ‘Inside the NBA’ has stirred a lot of chatter over social media.

“O’Neal has a slightly different deal than his three castmates because they do other things for WBD, including the NCAA tournament. Shaq’s deal is strictly for the NBA and it’s up in about eight months. While sources say Shaq wants to remain on the show, he’s frustrated that there has been congratulations and press releases hyping that Inside the NBA is remaining the same while he is currently not under contract to be with the company next season,” said Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated.

Now coming to the elephant in the room. Shaq’s absence can have major consequences in the show. The major point is that ‘Without Shaq, There’s No Inside the NBA‘. Shaq is a critical piece of that dynamic — he’s a big personality and the chemistry he has with the panelists is the lifeblood of the show. He often has the best interplay with Barkley and his absence would leave a gaping hole. Ernie, Charles, and Kenny are all great in their own right, but the show wouldn’t be what it is without Shaq’s own comedically and analytically unique brand.

Well, in Shaq’s words, “Humble enough to know I can be replaced, but wise enough to know ain’t nobody else like me.” 

The Inside crew has a chemistry of once in a generation. Over a dozen Emmys, viewership peaking at 2.8 million, and a recognition from Basketball Hall of Fame as transformative media, speaks of it. But without Shaquille O’Neal, it may not be the same. Moreover, there’s one more possibility that the seven footer can do if he is ultimately not given a proper contract.

The next step that Shaquille O’Neal might take

Shaquille O’Neal has never been one to limit himself and he is not only famous for his NBA career, he’s also had a bit of a stab at becoming a rap star, with many platinum-certified albums including ‘Shaq Diesel’. He’s also been DJ Diesel, playing at big music festivals. His other popular show, The Big Podcast with Shaq, brings out the insightful side of him. These experiences suggest that Shaq could easily take the next step: creating his own media empire.

According to sources, Shaq is worth about $500 million and can afford to bankroll such an enterprise. Shaq’s income does not start and end with his NBA Hall of Fame career; he’s also been savvy enough to invest in businesses like his fast food restaurant chain, the Big Chicken, with 40 locations and a yearly revenue of $31.6M. Apart from this, he has also been a part of numerous endorsement deals with Pepsi, Carnival Cruise Line, and he also happens to be the President of Basketball Operations at Reebok thus further increasing his worth.

If Shaq chooses to start his own media house, he could create a platform blending sports, entertainment, and culture, rivaling established networks. His larger-than-life personality would make it a groundbreaking project, possibly rivalling ‘Inside the NBA’. However, this is just a speculation, only time will tell what ultimately happens.