“Inside the NBA” might just be one of the most entertaining and popular basketball programs ever. With a cast consisting of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson Jr., the well-known pregame, halftime, and postgame show has experienced rapid growth over the years. With the show on the verge of starting a new chapter, Barkley appears to be frustrated with this unexpected development and pointed out that he needed to be compensated as soon as possible.
Why Charles Barkley Wants TNT To Honor Their Original Contracts With Inside the NBA
An estimated net worth of $80 million has ensured that Barkley does not need to improve his financial situation. However, that does not change the fact that Barkley has an amusing sense of humor and a fairly controversial personality.
Upon hearing that TNT was on the verge of losing its broadcasting rights for the popular halftime show, Barkley and the rest of the crew each had their heads at the same place. Since Barkley had signed a massive 10-year contract for $210 million, it was no surprise that he demanded that TNT pay him as soon as possible.
Perhaps, in an attempt to keep Barkley in check and prevent him from going out of control too often, O’Neal decided to sign his contract with TNT, ensuring the show’s biggest personality would remain intact. O’Neal’s new contract with TNT is reportedly over $15 million per year, adding to his already impressive $500 million net worth.
After O’Neal decided to stay with TNT, which made sense given that they had the producing rights for Inside the NBA, this left the group simply rejecting any notion of breaking up the show and moving to ESPN to change the production into an ESPN style, something that incredibly excited fans who wished for the crew to remain together. It made more sense for Inside the NBA to continue the production.
The third crew member is former star point guard Kenny Smith. With everyone committed to remaining with TNT in terms of production, the group is not expected to face a huge number of issues. However, O’Neal voiced his objection only for Smith to reveal his true motive for acquiring a multi-year contract, which would allow him to work with ESPN while also retaining his usual spot.
Smith then cheekily revealed that he had signed a multi-year deal that would allow him to remain with Inside the NBA as well as ESPN, a move that would give him much-needed time away from O’Neal and Barkley.
Finally, the only host who did not have a career in the league, Ernie Johnson, would follow his cast and remain with TNT, ensuring that they stay together past this season. With a $16 million net worth, Johnson is expected to remain alongside the group.
The Inside the NBA cast may be reluctant to leave TNT, a decision likely based on loyalty and comfort. Moreover, ESPN’s fast-paced way of incentivizing organization and efficiency would not mesh with the crew’s laid-back and calm manner.
At the end of the day, there are also people like Barkley who are more focused on the financial side of things. Since ESPN now owns the rights to the official broadcast as well as their halftime show, Barkley attempted to meet with them as a free agent analyst before, prompting TNT to find a way to compensate him.
In any case, the cast of this successful basketball show has made it clear that they prioritize their own comfort and approach over financial gain.
