In a recent episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Charles Barkley expressed his frustration and uncertainty regarding the future of the beloved show “Inside the NBA.” Barkley, a Hall of Famer and longtime analyst on the show, revealed that TNT has provided no clear direction about what will happen to the crew after the upcoming season.
“Inside the NBA” has been a staple for basketball fans, known for its unique blend of insightful analysis and entertaining banter among Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. However, with TNT losing its NBA broadcast rights after the 2024-2025 season, the future of the show is now in question.
During the podcast, Barkley didn’t hold back his thoughts.
“We have zero idea what we’re going to do,” he said. “They don’t even have any idea what we’re going to do. We want to keep doing the show, but we won’t have basketball. What the hell are we gonna do?”
Barkley also mentioned that TNT’s mishandling of negotiations has left the crew in a precarious position. Despite his initial plans to retire after the 2024-2025 season, Barkley had reconsidered, leaving over $100 million on the table to stay with TNT. However, the lack of clarity from the network has left him and his colleagues in a state of limbo.
The uncertainty extends beyond Barkley. Ernie Johnson, the show’s host since 1989, is reportedly committed to staying with Turner Sports, but the future of the show without NBA games is still unclear. Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith have not publicly stated their plans, adding to the overall ambiguity.
As the final season with NBA rights approaches, fans of “Inside the NBA” are left wondering what will become of their favorite show. Will the crew find a new home on another network, or will they pivot to a different format? For now, it seems that even the show’s stars are in the dark.
