Massive News Off The Court For Charles Barkley, Shaq & Inside The NBA

May 22, 2024 , ,

In a stunning, though somewhat expected report, the famed "Inside The NBA" on TNT studio show, featuring Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaq, is coming to an end after the upcoming season, per a new report.

The NBA is finalizing media rights deals with ESPN, NBC and Amazon later this week, per The Sports Business Journal, meaning that 2024-25 will be officially the last season for “Inside the NBA” on TNT with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.

Sir Charles, always the most entertaining (and controversial) voice on the show, says, "it just sucks right now."

"I worry about all the people I work with... I really feel bad man, because about 200 people are probably going to lose their jobs at Turner (network)," said Barkley Wednesday morning. He doesn't feel the show could just pick up and move in its entirety to another network. "I don't think Ernie would go to another network, I'm damn sure about that. I would listen before I made any decisions."

But Charles, of course, who admits he has "enough money," is looking on the bright side. "I don't even look at it as getting fired. I look at it, 'damn I get to play more golf?'"

Inside the NBA has been on the air since 1989, but it was the year 2000 when things really took off, when Charles Barkley joined the crew, along with Kenny Smith and host Ernie Johnson. Shaq would join the gang 11 years later in 2011. The chemistry of that foursome was a joy to watch for millions over the years.  Their antics and interviews have been as much a part of the NBA landscape as the games themselves in the 24-year run of the Chuck, Kenny & Ernie version of the show. 

To honor the iconic program, enjoy a compilation of the best of Sir Charles and "Inside":

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