Shak, Kenny Smith’s Inside the NBA futures next to Charles Barkley has solidified

After the November announcement that TNT Sports would lease Inside NBA to ESPNspeculation about the show’s lineup has been rife. A recent report, however, reveals that at least two key figures from the beloved Warner Bros. show will Discover staying on. The renowned studio show is hosted by its dynamic team: Kenny SmithShaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkleyand Ernie Johnson.

According to CNBC’s Alex Sherman, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith are both were expected to re-sign with TNT Sports, as revealed in its newsletter Thursday.

Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith sign new contracts with TNT Sports

The report indicates that Shaquille O’Neal has signed a new five-year deal with TNT Sports, while Kenny Smith has committed to a “multi-year” deal. O’Neal’s previous contract expired this year, prompting rumors that the legendary big man could consider other opportunities, especially with NBC and Amazon entering the NBA media landscape beginning in the 2025-26 season.

Sherman reported that both O’Neal and Smith held talks with NBC and Amazon before ultimately deciding to stay with TNT Sports. While O’Neill’s contract was about to expire, Smith’s situation was a little different. He wasn’t technically a free agent, but he had a clause in his contract that allowed him flexibility if Warner Bros. Discovery loses its NBA broadcast rights, which occurred during negotiations for a new deal that is set to begin next season.

As for the show’s third and most prominent analyst, Charles Barkley, his future remains uncertain. Sherman’s report highlights that Barkley’s contract lacks the flexibility clause found in Smith’s contract. However, that didn’t stop Barkley from openly discussing his future. He has publicly speculated about his next steps and acknowledged that he has held talks with NBC and Amazon.

Amazon and NBC Sports are developing their own programming

A recent report probably simplified things for Amazon and NBC Sports. Instead of trying to dismantle “Inside the NBA,” they can now concentrate on developing their own studio shows from the ground up.

Amazon has already revealed several key additions to its NBA studio team. Taylor Rooks, known for her work on “Thursday Night Football” for Amazon, will take over as host of Prime Video’s NBA studio show. They will join her as panelists former NBA stars Blake Griffin and Dirk Nowitzki.

Both Amazon and NBC have reportedly held talks with former New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony about joining their NBA studio teams, according to sources. In addition, both networks are exploring the possibility of adding current players who could retire after this season, such as Chris Paul, Kevin Love, Draymond Green and potentially Kyle Lowry.

NBC and Prime Video have demonstrated their ability to assemble strong NFL coverage teams. Both networks have built studio teams that rival the quality of ESPN’s offerings.

However, putting together a team that can rival the likes of Inside the NBA will be a tall order. Shaq, Kenny, Ernie and Chuck will likely maintain their status as a top team as long as they continue to work.