Mon Feb 17 00:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Shaq Stays Put: Inside the NBA Moves to ESPN, Retaining Star Lineup

**Atlanta, GA –** In a major shakeup of NBA broadcasting, Turner Sports’ Emmy Award-winning show *Inside the NBA* will be licensed to ESPN beginning in the 2025-2026 season. This significant move ensures the continued presence of the show’s iconic panel, including Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson.

The deal comes after a flurry of negotiations involving several networks vying for top NBA talent following the recent $77 billion, 11-year NBA rights deal. Front Office Sports reports that O’Neal has signed a massive long-term contract with TNT, earning over $15 million annually. This resolves major uncertainty surrounding his future, as his participation was a key question mark.

Barkley, who recently signed a 10-year, $210 million extension with TNT, emphatically reaffirmed his commitment to the show, rejecting offers from NBC, Amazon, and ESPN. Smith is also expected to re-sign with TNT. Johnson, a mainstay of the program, is expected to remain as well.

The show’s move to ESPN is part of a broader realignment of NBA broadcasting talent. While *Inside the NBA* will remain produced in its Atlanta studio, its licensing marks a significant win for ESPN. NBC is meanwhile securing its own team, with Carmelo Anthony as a studio analyst, alongside Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford as color commentators. Amazon has added Taylor Rooks, Dirk Nowitzki, and Blake Griffin to its broadcasting lineup.

The deal underscores the lucrative nature of sports broadcasting, with top analysts like Barkley (second highest earner at $21 million annually), Tom Brady ($37.5 million), and Stephen A. Smith (projected $20 million) commanding multi-million dollar contracts. The massive salaries reflect the fierce competition for talent now that ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video are sharing the NBA broadcasting rights.

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