America’s favorite NBA studio show will remain in tact, thanks to new deals for two of its key contributors. According to a report by Alex Sherman of CNBC, longtime studio analysts Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny “The Jet” Smith are on the verge of re-signing with TNT Sports, cementing them as part of the show’s new era under a sublicensing agreement with ESPN.
O’Neal’s deal was confirmed by CNBC to be a five-year deal, while Smith’s was only confirmed to be a “multiyear deal.” A TNT Sports spokesperson declined to comment on the matter when reached by Barrett Media.
CNBC also reports that both were in talks with Amazon’s Prime Video and NBC to join their studio coverage but ultimately chose to remain with TNT, despite the company no longer airing live NBA games. For now, Smith’s quote of “Inside the NBA will always be around” rings true — at least for a few more years.
Sherman reports that Amazon and NBC have had discussions with former All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony to join studio shows and that both companies are looking at current players who may think about retirement after the season as well. Amazon’s Prime Video has announced its studio program surrounding the games, which will include Taylor Rooks, Blake Griffin and Dirk Nowitzki.
This past fall, the NBA reached a new $76 billion broadcasting deal with ESPN, NBC, and Prime Video, leaving TNT and other Turner platforms out in the cold. The NBA and Turner reached an agreement following a lawsuit from the latter allowing TNT Sports access to the league’s footage and likeness for the next 11 years.
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