Seems like at least once a week, there’s another development in the “What’s the future of Inside the NBA” question. Well, today is no different. Another new idea is making its way around the interwebs, and we’ve got to admit, it’s pretty cool.
Of course we all know the basics of the story: After many years of the status quo, the NBA has renegotiated the contracts for the rights to broadcast its games and playoffs. And with the exploding popularity of the game, some new corporate players stepped up to put some huge money on the table to get into the broadcast game.
Unfortunately, Warner Brothers / Discovery networks – the home of TNT and Inside the NBA – was on the short end of the stick in those negotiations, and it seems that after next season, TNT will be done with NBA broadcasting. And while that also could signal the end of the super-popular Inside the NBA program – featuring our man Shaq, Sir Charles, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johson – there may yet be some ideas for keeping the show alive and kicking, if (perhaps) in a slightly different format.
The BIG Podcast with SHAQ
Here on the ShaqFu Radio blog, we’ve already reported that Charles Barkley has announced he will remain at Turner Sports after its NBA deal expires next year, no matter what. Sir Charles has talked about how much he likes and respects the team at TNT Sports. Additionally, he has a contract with TNT that runs through 2032.
In addition to Barkley, Inside the NBA host Ernie Johnson has also expressed a desire to stay with TNT and see what other opportunities may come up at that network. As for the other show hosts, Kenny Smith hasn’t said much – as yet – about his future plans. As for Shaq, we know he’s got plenty on his business and media plates, but he hasn’t talked too much about his desires and intentions with TNT.
“Inside the NBA” … or simply “Inside Sports”?
Now a new report and idea has surfaced as to what may become of the beloved Inside the NBA program. What do you think of a “rebranding” to a show that covers many different sports, not just the NBA? Just this week, two media insiders told the Wall Street Journal about the possibility of changing the show from Inside the NBA to “Inside Sports,” and that it would provide coverage and analysis of everything covered by TNT Sports.
TNT Sports has contracts that allow it to broadcast a host of different sports, including the National Hockey League, NASCAR, college football and Major League Baseball as well. Could it work? Hard to tell. One thing is for sure, any new multi-sports show would probably have to rely on more outside guest experts. We’re pretty sure guys like Shaq and Barkley – as good as they are with the NBA – are not experts in all the different sports that could be covered.
Still, it’s a cool idea, and might indeed elevate the old Inside the NBA to a whole new level. Here at the offices of the ShaqFu Radio blog, we’re one hundred percent on board and ready to watch. We’ve still got this year’s upcoming NBA season to get through, so once again, it’s a “wait and see” game to find out what comes next. Should be fun!