All four members of the Inside the NBA crew have been signed to 10-year contracts by TNT.
Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal have all inked extensions that will see them remain with the network for the next decade. The news of contract extensions for the entire crew comes after Barkley revealed he had secured a new contract last week. His contract extension came after a widely publicized flirtation with the controversial LIV Golf tour earlier this summer.
“We’re all a big family — Ernie, Kenny and Shaquille are brothers to me — and I wouldn’t still be here if it wasn’t for them and all the amazing people who work on our show,” Barkley said in a statement. “I’m not gonna lie, though, this is a life-altering deal…and I’m blessed to be able to do live television for a living.”
The deals surpass TNT’s current contract with the NBA, which expires after the 2024-2025 season.
“Our partnership with the NBA is very important to us and this long-term agreement with the ‘Inside the NBA’ team is recognition of their significance to that relationship,” said Warner Brothers Discovery Sports CEO and Chairman Luis Silberwasser. “Inside the NBA epitomizes the creativity and innovative spirit we’ve established throughout our successful, long-standing partnership with the league.”
The show is widely regarded as the best studio show in sports, winning 17 Emmy Awards during its run.
As a black adult male I would like someone to tell shaq that the “your mama “ quotes are totally unacceptable for a grown man. PLEASE put a stop to that. A grown man disrespecting another black man’s mother on national tv. DISGRACEFUL!