Ernie Johnson contract update means Inside the NBA breakup is a strong possibility
03/05/2024 03:16
The future of “Inside the NBA” remains uncertain. As other broadcasting networks enter the play for media rights following the 2024-25 season, there’s no telling if TNT (Turner Network Television) will continue covering games next year. In other words, it could mean the end for the beloved crew that consists of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith. And speaking of Johnson, a recent update heightens the disbandment speculation even more.
Johnson will be staying with TNT, whether or not the NBA decides to move on from the network. According to inside sources, the motive mostly stems out of loyalty.
“He is Turner Sports. Period,” a source said. (per Sports Business Journal’s Tom Friend)
Ernie Johnson would remain at Turner whether the NBA stays or not —meaning next season could be the last for TNT's award-winning studio show "Inside the NBA.'' https://t.co/zQyGAFmnXP
— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) May 2, 2024
This is no susprise, since Johnson has been hosting “Inside the NBA” for TNT since 1990. The broadcaster also covers MLB and NCAA Division I basketball games for the Atlanta-based network.
Following the upcoming season, the NBA’s contracts with Warner Bros. Dicovery (owner of TNT) and ESPN/ABC are set to expire. To add competition to the whole thing, Amazon Prime already has the framework of a deal for future broadcasting rights. Furthermore, NBC just offered a bid to stream games as well.
Will it be the end of an era for TNT?
While ESPN is expected to continue working with the NBA, the uncertainty looms more on TNT’s end. If TNT moves on from the world’s premiere basketball league, then it’ll be the end to a partnership that has lasted for decades. TNT has been covering games since 1989, with Johnson at the helm of their basketball broadcasters.
And as for the fans who tune in, the possible conclusion of “Inside the NBA” will surely be a bummer. Arguably the most comedic out of all the NBA talk-shows, “Inside the NBA” will always have laugh-inducing moments with all the big personalities on board.
One of those personalities is Charles Barkley, who’s already prepared for a situation such as what’s currently taking place.
“Obviously we saw it, and it’s a really big deal,” Barkley said, referring to NBC’s bid in a recent interview. “And I covered my a**, to be honest with you…I just signed a 10-year deal two years ago, and one of the things I did (was to) put an opt-out (clause) after a couple of years (just) in case…it comes to this situation," (per ClutchPoints’ Fabian Diego Miguel de la Paz.)
With Ernie Johnson staying put and Charles Barkley opting out if TNT parts ways with the NBA, things are currently looking bleak. Nevertheless, all hope is not yet lost. Right now, ESPN and Amazon are predicted to acquire the biggest NBA packages, and the battle for the third (and possibly last) broadcast package revolves around Warner Bros. (TNT) and NBC.
It could all come down to whichever network manages to shell out more money. So presently, fans of “Iniside the NBA” can hold on to the possibility that Warner Bros. may just prevail and keep the crew intact.
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