We’re Getting More “Inside” Clarity

January 24, 2025

Nothing is carved in stone just yet, but the future of the NBA’s best analysis program – our beloved Inside the NBA – is getting closer and closer to being finally figured out and prepped for next season. Some are calling it a “seismic shift” currently underway in the sports media landscape. Two broadcasting giants—Amazon and NBC—race to create their own signature NBA studio shows. The prize? Delivering a hit program that can rival the gold standard of sports commentary: Inside the NBA on TNT Sports.

The legendary show, featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, has set the bar high for its mix of sharp analysis, hilarious banter, and undeniable chemistry. As the NBA’s U.S. broadcast rights shuffle for the 2025 season, Inside the NBA fans can rest easy knowing the crew isn’t going anywhere.

For months, speculation swirled about the futures of Shaq and Kenny Smith. Both had contract clauses allowing them to explore opportunities if Warner Bros. Discovery lost NBA broadcast rights. NBC and Amazon reportedly held talks with the duo, while Barkley—whose contract didn’t have the same flexibility—also mused about potential moves.

In the end, fans got good news: both Shaq and Kenny are re-signing with TNT Sports. Shaq’s new deal spans five years, while Kenny is locking in a multiyear agreement. The decisions from Shaq and Kenny simplify things for NBC and Amazon, who are now focused on crafting their own shows from the ground up.





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Amazon’s playbook draws from its Thursday Night Football success, which features a star-studded panel of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tony Gonzalez, and Richard Sherman. For their NBA lineup, Amazon has already announced Taylor Rooks as host, with former stars Blake Griffin and Dirk Nowitzki joining as analysts. Talks are ongoing with Carmelo Anthony and current players like Chris Paul, Draymond Green, and Kevin Love, who may transition to broadcasting after retirement.

NBC, taking a different route, is banking on nostalgia and innovation. They’re reviving their iconic 1990s NBA theme, Roundball Rock, and launching Sunday Night Basketball. Led by Mike Tirico on play-by-play, the show will feature a unique news-magazine-style studio segment before leading into the game of the week.

Creating a program that rivals Inside the NBA is no small feat. The camaraderie and charisma of Shaq, Barkley, Kenny, and Ernie have made the show more than just basketball commentary—it’s a cultural phenomenon.

Josh Pyatt of WME Sports explains the allure: “They all want what Inside the NBA offers: a great group of guys with unmatched chemistry. It’s more than analysis; it’s entertainment.”

For Shaq, the show offers a perfect balance of professional insight and personality. It’s also been a lucrative platform, opening doors to endorsement deals and extending his larger-than-life brand beyond the court.

Both Amazon and NBC are eager to make their mark in the NBA broadcast world, but they’re taking distinct approaches. Amazon is leaning into player-driven analysis with a consumer-centric twist, while NBC is looking to recapture the glory of the ’90s with a modern edge.

As these new ventures emerge, one thing remains clear: Inside the NBA still reigns supreme, and with Shaq and Kenny back in the mix, fans can expect more iconic moments, laughs, and slam-dunk analysis for years to come.

Who knows—maybe one day, Amazon or NBC will find a formula that captures the magic. Until then, the Inside the NBA dynasty continues.



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