Inside the NBA moving channels next season
Sunday’s announcement confirmed that TNT’s highly regarded Inside the NBA studio show will move to ESPN. It is part of a licensing deal with the network and the NBA.
It is noteworthy that the NBA has secured a new 11-year, $77 billion agreement with ABC/ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video. That leaves its long-time partner TNT out of the arrangement.
This shift is a result of a settlement from Warner Brothers Discovery’s lawsuit against the NBA, ESPN, NBC, and Amazon in July.
Shaq is not onboard yet for the show beyond this season.
O’Neal is not under contract for the next season’s show, as reported by Jimmy Traina of SI.com. O’Neal’s contract differs from his three co-hosts, who engage in additional activities for WBD, such as the NCAA tournament. Shaq’s agreement is exclusively for the NBA, and it is set to expire in approximately eight months.
There’s no question that the Hall of Fame center is eager to join Inside the NBA with his friends. Given his savvy as a businessman, he knows that there are option he might be wise to consider. ESPN is a leading contender, and securing O’Neal would dispel any concerns about his absence from the show. Alternatively, he could strike a deal with Amazon. The company is aggressively recruiting top NBA analysts following Prime Video’s acquisition of an 11-year media rights agreement to broadcast NBA games. This could also include a separate arrangement for his production company, further enhancing the deal.
Bring plenty of cash
Let’s begin with the fact that Barkley’s current contract with TNT is valued at $210 million over 10 years. This translates to an annual salary of about $21 million, ranking him among the highest-paid analysts in sports television. Consequently, it would be logical for O’Neal to anticipate a salary comparable to that of his sparring partner.
Currently, Tom Brady is earning $37 million per year from FOX, and his contract includes additional options with the network. O’Neal is a shrewd businessman who wants to be paid.
With the savings from the loss of NBA games, WB Discovery Sports will likely not want the more bad press. And ultimately, they might not want to lose a star.
Washington based CEO & Founder of LJC. Media covering politics, sports, & entertainment A seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director, and podcast host. Digital Director and Washington Bureau Chief at News Talk Florida & The Daily Cable
