Last year, NBA fans were rattled when it looked like the legendary studio show “Inside the NBA” might be nearing its final days. The issue: broadcasting rights. TNT, the longtime home of “Inside the NBA,” was locked in a fierce battle over media deals as the league prepared to ink a new agreement.
Eventually, the NBA signed an 11-year broadcasting contract, beginning in the 2025-26 season, partnering with The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video.Panic spread across the basketball community. Would this mean the end of “Inside the NBA?” The chemistry, the laughs, the raw authenticity — was it all over?
Then came the relief. News broke that Inside the NBA wasn’t going anywhere; instead, it would be finding a new home on ESPN and ABC next season. And now, one of the show’s pillars, Shaquille O’Neal, has delivered a passionate message to fans that they’re just getting started.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Strong Message Regarding the Future of ‘Inside the NBA’
Before tip-off of Game 5, O’Neal didn’t hold back. The former MVP and four-time NBA champion made it clear that while the show might be moving networks, the energy and spirit fans have grown to love will continue full force.
“Yes, it is the ending of ‘Inside the NBA’ on TNT, but it’s the new beginning for us. I’m glad we’re still together on whatever network we go to — and whatever network we’re coming to, we’re bringing the pain. I’m just letting you know right now. I know everybody’s sad, ‘Oh, it ain’t gonna be the show;’ the show is still here, baby. You can never kill the four horsemen,” O’Neal said.
Shaq:
“It is the ending of the Inside the NBA on TNT…whatever network we’re coming to, we’re bringing the pain…the show is still here, baby. You can never kill the four horsemen…we coming to kick ass and take names.” 🔥🗣️
(h/t @ClutchPoints)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 29, 2025
O’Neal’s words hit so hard because of the show’s entrenched ties to the basketball community and the NBA. “Inside the NBA” began in 1989, shortly after TNT secured the rights to broadcast NBA games. The show was anchored by Ernie Johnson, whose calm demeanor and journalistic integrity laid the groundwork for what was to come.
Things took a major turn in 1998 when Kenny Smith joined the desk, followed by Charles Barkley in 2000. Their mix of honest takes, hilarious banter, and deep basketball knowledge transformed the show into a cultural phenomenon.
But the real game-changer came in 2011 when O’Neal joined the crew. His massive presence — both literally and figuratively — injected new life into the panel. Whether it was roasting Barkley, sharing locker room stories, or offering insight from a champion’s perspective, O’Neal helped elevate the show to new heights.
While the seven-footer’s powerful statement before Game 5 stole headlines, another hilarious moment from a previous broadcast also lit up social media.
Just before halftime of Game 4 on May 27, viewers caught O’Neal in the TNT booth doing bicep curls. But not with dumbbells — with Joe Underhill, the show’s longtime producer.
Lifting Underhill like a barbell, “Big Diesel” had the whole commentary team cracking up — another reminder of why “Inside the NBA” is so beloved.
Shaq was doing arms curls with Inside the NBA’s producer Underdog😂pic.twitter.com/aPHCUdrU2s
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 28, 2025
From heartfelt moments to laugh-out-loud antics, “Inside the NBA” has been more than just a sports show. And with O’Neal’s recent message, fans can rest easy knowing that the crew isn’t riding off into the sunset — they’re revving up for their next chapter.
