Shaquille O’Neal Not Locked In For ‘Inside the NBA’ As Show Prepares For ESPN Transition

Shaquille O’Neal has carved out a successful second act as an analyst on TNT’s acclaimed show Inside the NBA. Alongside Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, O’Neal has been an integral part of the show’s success.

Despite the program’s popularity, the future of Inside the NBA faced uncertainty. Because TNT’s NBA media rights were set to expire after the 2024–2025 season. However, Warner Bros., which owns TNT, reached a settlement with the NBA, resolving a legal dispute that had cast doubt on the show’s future. 

With the settlement finalized, the league can move forward without the shadow of TV rights drama. It also ensured that Inside the NBA will remain a staple for basketball fans. While this resolution is good news for the show’s future, Shaq’s role within it remains unresolved. According to NBA insider Jimmy Traina, O’Neal does not currently have a contract to appear on the program next season.

Shaq does not yet have a contract to appear on ‘Inside the NBA’ next season, per @JimmyTraina.

“While sources say Shaq wants to remain on the show, he’s frustrated that there has been congratulations and press releases hyping that Inside the NBA is remaining the same while he is… pic.twitter.com/uA3LV1VWeH

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 18, 2024

“While sources say Shaq wants to remain on the show, he’s frustrated that there have been congratulations and press releases hyping that Inside the NBA is remaining the same while he is currently not under contract to be with the company next season,” Traina reported.

Shaquille O’Neal Criticizes ESPN Analysts

Shaquille O’Neal recently shared his thoughts on sports analysts during an appearance on the GOAT TALK podcast. The former NBA star called out some of ESPN’s personalities, questioning their qualifications to speak about the game.

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“Some of these cats on ESPN, you never won. You never did anything. You ain’t got no awards, I do not believe you. I do not know who you are,” Shaq said.

Since joining TNT’s Inside the NBA in the 2011-12 season, O’Neal has been a key contributor to the show’s growing success. So, he thinks firsthand experience and accomplishments are crucial for providing credible basketball analysis.

Also Read: NBA Fans Are Losing Their Minds As Dwight Howard Reignites Beef With Shaquille O’Neal By Challenging Him To A Boxing Fight, But Shaq Seems “Scared”