There’s a Big Problem with WBD-ESPN Deal for ‘Inside the NBA’ License

The news came on Saturday Warner Bros. Discovery and ESPN reach a deal that will allow WBD to continue producing the iconic product inside the NBA The studio show, which features Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal, will be licensed to ESPN after this season.

TNT will no longer broadcast NBA games after this season, but inside the NBA It will remain a property of TNT and will air on ESPN beginning in the 2025-26 season.

But as of now, there is a problem with the casting. Sources say O’Neal’s contract with WBD will expire on July 1, 2025.

O’Neal’s deal is slightly different than his three fellow players because they are doing other things for WBD, including the NCAA tournament. Shaq’s deal is entirely for the NBA and will expire in about eight months.

Although sources say Shaq wants to stay on the show, Shaq is disappointed with the congratulations and over-the-top press coverage about it. inside the NBA remains the same, although he is currently not contracted with the company for next season.

Considering the unique deal TNT will produce inside the NBA While it airs on ESPN, O’Neal may have many options to explore. He could stay with the program and also make a deal with Amazon or NBC, the NBA’s new partners next season. Besides WBD, he may also sign a deal with ESPN.

There are many ways O’Neal could go, but the hope for NBA fans is that the first way is to re-sign with WBD.