As a die-hard fan of “Inside the NBA,” I can say that this recent turn of events has left me feeling like I just hit a game-winning buzzer beater! After months of uncertainty, it’s a relief to know that my favorite basketball panel will continue to grace our screens well into the future.
Previously this year, it seemed like TNT’s Inside the NBA might not continue because of a conflict between the sports league and Warner Bros. Discovery. However, things have taken a turn for the better as the network and its parent company reached an agreement with ESPN to extend the show past its 2025 TV schedule. Since then, the panelists haven’t spoken about it, but Charles Barkley couldn’t help but joke about how the work environment has shifted following this new deal.
How Charles Barkley Hilariously Nodded At The Sports Show Being Saved
The NBA Inside Show resumed its broadcast on Tuesday, following the major corporate news, with the team discussing current basketball events much as they normally do. However, towards the end of the show, Sir Charles touched upon the ongoing tension regarding the program’s future. As noted in Awful Announcing’s X post, Barkley suggests that it’s now necessary to “show appreciation” or “kiss up” once more.
It’s important to note that Charles Barkley, a renowned basketball player and commentator, has openly criticized TNT/Warner Bros. Discovery over the past few months regarding their handling of NBA broadcast rights negotiations. In May, he voiced his displeasure, stating that it was unfortunate that many of his colleagues might lose their jobs because the show was ending. He even took the step of conducting an unsanctioned elevator interview to advocate for his fellow employees once more.
Charles Barkley initially declared his intention to retire after the 2024-2025 television season amidst controversial comments about Inside the NBA. However, he later retracted his retirement plans and renewed his contract with TNT Sports, aiming to preserve jobs. Interestingly, it appears that the recent WBD/Disney agreement has made him feel more inclined to continue working. To put it simply, this decision is a significant one.
What Does TNT And Disney’s Agreement Over Inside The NBA Entail?
Disney has struck a groundbreaking agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery/TNT, which means “Inside the NBA” will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN and ABC for the next eleven years, starting from the 2025-2026 season. This iconic show will then be shown on these two networks owned by The Walt Disney Company. However, TNT Sports will continue to produce the series from its Atlanta studio. Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and the famed “Chuckster” are set to host halftime and postgame shows during this period. But there’s more:
There’s Been ‘Congratulations’ About Inside The NBA Striking ESPN Partnership. The Real Tea Behind Why Shaq Is Allegedly ‘Frustrated’
Moreover, “Inside” will serve as the coverage for the NBA Finals on ABC, in addition to the Conference Finals, games during opening week, Christmas Day games, all ABC games post-January 1, and the final week of the season. Meanwhile, media personalities will also carry on with other tasks for TNT Sports. This arrangement allows the Emmy-winning talk show to proceed, while it simultaneously resolves legal disputes between the NBA and TNT, who were considering a lawsuit due to claims that their offer for one of the broadcast rights packages was not accepted.
It appears everything is looking up, and as a dedicated fan of Inside the NBA for many years, I’m delighted to learn that the show will continue indefinitely. In the interim, I wonder if Charles Barkley or any of his co-hosts will address the recent events that have taken place. Despite his claims about kissing up again, history shows that the Round Mound of Rebound can rarely resist taking a jab when given the chance.
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2024-11-21 06:37