Shaquille O’Neal has committed to TNT Sports with a lucrative new contract, according to Front Office Sports. His deal, worth over $15 million per year, ensures his presence on Inside the NBA even as the show moves to ESPN. This decision solidifies TNT’s role in NBA coverage, despite losing direct broadcasting rights.
Shaquille O’Neal’s TNT Future Takes Definitive Turn
Shaquille O’Neal Secures Long-Term Future with TNT
O’Neal’s contract extension ends speculation about his future. Many questioned whether he would remain on Inside the NBA after TNT lost NBA broadcasting rights. With the new deal, he stays with the network that has hosted him since 2011.
TNT is licensing Inside the NBA to ESPN in exchange for a package of Big 12 college football and basketball games. This move keeps the Emmy-winning show alive while shifting it to a new network.
Inside the NBA Cast Stays Intact
O’Neal is not the only Inside the NBA star committing to TNT. Charles Barkley and Kenny “The Jet” Smith are also staying. Barkley had received offers from NBC and Amazon but turned them down.
“I’m informing NBC that I will not accept their offer,” Barkley said on The Steam Room podcast. “I’m gonna cancel future meetings with Amazon. … My heart is always and will be at Turner Sports.”
Barkley’s loyalty to TNT is significant. He signed a $210 million extension in 2022, making $21 million per year. His presence ensures Inside the NBA will maintain its signature chemistry.
TNT’s Continued Influence in NBA Media
Even without game broadcasts, TNT remains a powerhouse in basketball media. Inside the NBA will continue to be produced in Atlanta, with Ernie Johnson expected to stay as host. Johnson has been the show’s foundation, providing balance to the outspoken personalities of O’Neal, Barkley, and Smith.
TNT’s decision to license the show to ESPN suggests a strategic pivot. Rather than exiting NBA coverage entirely, the network maintains relevance through its acclaimed studio show.
NBC and Amazon Move to Secure NBA Talent
With Inside the NBA locked in, NBC and Amazon are scrambling for top-tier basketball analysts. NBC is negotiating with Carmelo Anthony for a studio analyst role. The network has also signed Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller as color commentators.
Amazon is also making moves. The streaming giant has hired Taylor Rooks, Dirk Nowitzki, and Blake Griffin for its NBA studio coverage. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is expected to explore media opportunities after retiring from the NBA.
O’Neal’s Place Among Top-Paid Sports Analysts
O’Neal’s new contract places him among the highest-paid sports media personalities. His $15 million annual salary matches ESPN’s Joe Buck. Barkley, making $21 million per year, remains second behind Tom Brady, who leads all sports analysts at $37.5 million per year.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is expected to sign a five-year, $100 million deal, placing him at $20 million per year. Other top earners include Troy Aikman and Tony Romo ($18 million each) and Pat McAfee ($17 million).
The Future of NBA Broadcasting Rights
Starting in 2025-26, NBA games will air on ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video. The networks are collectively paying $77 billion over 11 years for these rights.
Despite losing NBA games, TNT remains a key player in basketball media. By securing O’Neal, Barkley, and Smith, the network ensures Inside the NBA continues to thrive. The show’s transition to ESPN marks a new era, but its core personalities remain unchanged.
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