The NBA’s next TV rights deal has been a topic of discussion for quite a while now. Their previous broadcasting deals with ESPN and TNT are set to expire when the 2024–25 season concludes. So naturally, the question will arise about the future of the NBA. Adam Silver currently has TNT, NBC, ESPN, and Prime Video in a bidding war to get the rights to the NBA. However, the former ESPN employee feels the show won’t do well if it moves away from TNT.

It is hard to think about the show’s future without the Inside Guys’ hilarious antics and banter, especially Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal. In October 2022, The NBA on TNT on X updated fans by saying, “THE FELLAS ARE BACK! The #InsidetheNBA crew will stay together for many years to come after signing long-term contract extensions with WBD  Sports.” Chuck, along with O’Neal, have been open about the uncertain future and their own mixed feelings. Barkley also added a clause in the deal that would make him a free agent if TNT lost its NBA rights.

According to Bomani Jones, TNT gave Barkley a lot of freedom, and he is not sure if other networks will. “I am not sure how many people are willing to do what TNT did, which was to say, ‘We are going to let Charles Barkley steer the ship, and we’re just going to cross our fingers and hope that nobody notices some of the things that he says.’ You think he can get over on NBC or even on Amazon talking about these big women in San Antonio? We let that slide!”

Should Adam Silver consider a lesser-value proposition from TNT?

On his podcast, The Right Time with Bomani Jones, he shared his thoughts on the potential end of Inside the NBA. Domonique Foxworth too shared his views and said, “I think it’s worth going back to TNT for slightly less money for what that means and what that show means.” TNT Sports has held onto the NBA rights for more than a decade now. NBC, which offered twice TNT’s annual pay. With that, the NBA will gain more profit if they decide to sign a deal with NBC.

Chuck has been part of the broadcasting world since 2000. So it is obvious if the network is giving him a little more levy than others. “Because Charles is the engine that makes this thing go,” said Jones on his podcast.

There is no doubt that Inside the NBA has created an audience and fan base unlike any other. So will the NBA decide to change the pairing or will it continue with TNT because of the show’s connection with the fans? The decision won’t be an easy one, and everybody is hoping somehow the show stays on.