Shaquille O'Neal's $15 million deal guarantees 'Inside the NBA' team's future on ESPN

The former Los Angeles Lakers superstar, Shaquille O'Neal has agreed to a new contract with TNT that guarantees the beloved studio show' Inside the NBA' will remain fully intact as it moves to ESPN. The deal was first reported by Front Office Sports on Friday, which will see the 52-year-old earn $15 million per year, although the duration of the contract has not been revealed.

Shaquille O'Neal's new contract with TNT

This announcement comes as Inside the NBA enters its final season on TNT before making the shift to ESPN next year. The TNT lost its NBA media rights in the latest broadcasting deal as Amazon and NBC joined ESPN in securing rights for the next 11 seasons.

While TNT’s exit raised concerns about the future of the iconic show, Inside the NBA, ESPN has reached an agreement to license the show, which will continue to be produced by Turner Sports and aired across ESPN and ABC during NBA coverage.

Inside the NBA: Keeping the iconic show together

For fans and critics alike, Inside the NBA has been a staple of TNT's studio coverage, particularly on Thursday nights and throughout the NBA playoffs. Alongside O'Neal, the show's chemistry with co-hosts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and host Ernie Johnson has made it one of the most-watched and highly praised studio shows in sports history.

With O'Neal now committed to the new deal, fans can rest assured that the iconic panel will continue in its familiar format, even as the show transitions to ESPN.

The rest of the "Inside the NBA" team's future

Charles Barkley signed a lucrative 10-year contract with TNT in 2022, has committed his future with the network. According to Front Office Sports, Barkley will earn $21 million annually on this deal. In August, Barkley reaffirmed his loyalty to TNT, stating, 'I love my TNT Sports family' in a statement that confirmed his commitment to the network.

Barkley made headlines again when he confirmed on The Steam Room podcast that he had rejected offers from both Amazon and NBC.

I’m informing NBC that I will not accept their offer, Barkley said. I’m gonna cancel future meetings with Amazon... My heart is always and will be at Turner Sports.

Meanwhile, Kenny Smith is expected to sign a new long-term deal with TNT, and Ernie Johnson’s future with the show also looks secure, ensuring the continuity of Inside the NBA as it shifts networks.

With O'Neal's new deal, along with the commitments of Barkley, Smith, and Johnson, Inside the NBA will continue to be a fan favorite on ESPN. As the NBA media landscape evolves, this deal ensures the iconic show remains a cornerstone of the network’s sports programming for years to come.