There is speculation that the popular show “Inside the NBA” may come to an end after the 2024-25 season, which raises questions about the future of host Ernie Johnson. However, it is believed that Johnson will remain with Turner Sports if the show does end.
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
He has been a key figure for TNT Sports since 1990, covering the NBA Playoffs, MLB Playoffs, and March Madness. Other members of the show, such as Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith, could potentially move elsewhere.
The reason for the show’s uncertainty is that TNT could lose its media rights deal with the NBA. Front Office Sports reports that ESPN, NBC, and Amazon may enter a bidding war for the rights if the deal with TNT is not renewed.
Barkley has stated that he has an opt-out clause in his contract in case the NBA chooses a different network.
However, sources indicate that Johnson is likely to stay with Turner no matter what and could continue hosting the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and doing MLB play-by-play.
Loyalty seems to be a key factor in his decision to stay with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), Turner’s parent company.
There has been speculation that the entire “Inside the NBA” team could leave and join another network. ESPN has shown interest in Barkley and has been trying to create a show similar to “Inside the NBA”.
NBC, with its ties to Turner through Mark Lazarus, is also a potential destination for Barkley. However, it remains to be seen what will happen.
The upcoming NBA media rights deal is expected to be a major story in sports media this year. NBC is reportedly serious about acquiring the rights, which could leave WBD out of the mix.
Warner Bros. Discovery has the ability to match any offer, but it would significantly increase the amount they currently pay for the NBA rights.
The company’s CEO, David Zaslav, has stated that they do not necessarily need the NBA and will be disciplined in negotiations.
There is speculation that Zaslav will have to make a substantial offer to outbid NBC, but it remains to be seen what will happen.
Regardless, it is clear that the future of “Inside the NBA” and Johnson’s role in it are uncertain.
Fans reacted as follows:
Would rather have ESPN lose rights over tnt
— s (@trillsamsonite) May 2, 2024
Interestingly, with cable viewership declining as a whole, it can actually result in more revenue for the league from broadcasting rights because these broadcasters will want to guarantee viewers during NBA games as these games occur so frequently. Even though the NBA and cable…
— Rian Darius Pandole (@RDPandole) May 2, 2024
Keep the NBA on tnt pic.twitter.com/CPdebXpVCw
— Haider Ali (@boomaligotclass) May 2, 2024
Every single fan would prefer TNT over ESPN. Literally every single one.
— August (@TotalDepravity0) May 2, 2024
ESPN having Disney money is the worst bc there’s no way they’re letting themselves lose their rights even though they should
— Conor (@KT5UP) May 2, 2024
This is horrible tragic news. It’s the best show on tv.
— BVal (@bry_alonzo) May 2, 2024
I will boycott the NBA if they do this😭😭😭
— Luke Stevens (@Luker0517) May 2, 2024
I wish no Stephen A or Barkley. Would make both TNT and ESPN shows better. All those two do is be critical of everyone. Stephen A shows no professionalism openly cheering for the NY Knicks. I don't like either one of them. Put them in same class as Skip Bayless.
— Otis Kirk (@OtisKirk23) May 2, 2024
Love EJ, but it’s time to move on. The show has become stale D and they’ve lost the prime directive which is to bolster the product. It’s not about you, it’s about the sport. Inside the NBA has lost its way. Plus Cable is dead. Get over to NBC.
— BeyondtheLockerRoom (@BeyondLockerRm) May 2, 2024
Breaking up Inside the NBA is literally bad for the league. Like actually.
— iTalkLakers (@CanWeTalkLakers) May 2, 2024
I don't even watch NBA anymore. I only watch these guys. I guess that may be gone soon too.
— Michael May (@MikeMay23) May 2, 2024
Good God, I hope not. I thought they all signed 10 year contracts last year? Whatever happens with the NBA TV rights, they gotta keep this show together!
— James J 🐢 (@VanWinkle2112) May 2, 2024
NBA coverage will stink without Ernie and the crew.
— Cooper Danforth (@CEDan4th4Prez) May 2, 2024
Please stay with TNT. I do not want to see Adam Lefkoe up there at all 😭😭
— YankeesFan55 (@Fan55Yankees) May 2, 2024
They really trying to break up the goats! 😩 let them host an NBA finals atleast.
— Christopher Pruitt (@Chrisssyjp3) May 2, 2024
