The tension is growing. Especially ever since ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime started a fight for the NBA’s broadcasting rights, currently held by TNT. And the absence of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley in the latest segment of the ‘Inside the NBA’ has only escalated matters further. With nostalgic memories of the show, fans are concerned about TNT’s future.

As per sports reporter Michael McCarthy’s X post, the absence of the veteran hosts might be concerning. His post read, “If you’re wondering why Charles Barkley + Shaquille O’Neal are NOT on for ‘Inside the NBA’ pregame show, they are in NYC preparing to pitch ad buyers at TNT Sports’ Upfront presentation Wednesday. Smart move: TNT’s 40-year NBA relationship hanging by thread.”

This comes after the NBA outbid TNT’s $1.2 billion, with an enticing offer of around $2.5 billion per year for the remaining rights. This intensified the battle further and left the show’s two most loved hosts with their fingers crossed.

Charles Berkley and Shaq have carried the NBA segment on TNT for well over a decade. With the duo’s constant brawling and entertaining presence, it has come to be known as the best of sports media; reportedly drawing in millions each week as one of the most popular sports shows. And Tom Segura said, “It’s perfect (Inside the NBA). I wouldn’t say a word. That’s chemistry… I wouldn’t change about their dynamic. It works perfectly. That’s why people love to watch the show.”

It has hence become a reason for fans to condemn the transfer of rights. Many believe TNT’s NBA coverage is the best. So is it surprising that one fan wrote, “Gonna be a horrible day in sports if they lose out,” under the post? Shaq and Chuck, who have enjoyed the position as TNT hosts, have revealed they can only hope for TNT’s continuation as competitors close in.

Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Berkley talk current situation amid soaring battle

Barkley has already previously mentioned that he wouldn’t be a part of the company if basketball is no longer involved. However, there hasn’t been much from the Los Angeles Lakers legend until yesterday.

In a new interview with the Point Game with John Wall & C.J. Toledano, O’Neal spoke about the current situation in TNT Sports and said, “We don’t really have any information on it. I don’t like to think left or think right but you know uh I agree with you if it be the end of that show I think it’ll be a travesty… we don’t know what’s going on but hopefully, the powers that will make sure that this the show go.”

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When asked about his colleague Johnson, O’Neal said, “Ernie is the best in the business. And again I don’t want to think left, I don’t want to think right oh we get another 10 years right now you just I’m actually in the same place you are… hopefully you know the show continues for sure.” Ernie Johnson has been a crucial part of TNT and is unlikely to leave the company. Furthermore, he is also involved in other sports broadcasting. That, however, doesn’t seem to be the case with NBA veterans.

Considering Charles Berkley has an opt-out clause in his contract if TNT were to lose the NBA, he stands a chance to join rival networks on bidding demand. But his heart lies with the current crew. “Am I concerned? 100% percent… I feel so bad for the people I work with. I mean, it is brutal. To give you an answer… we might lose it.”

With how things look right now, the situation is really uncertain. With Amazon and ESPN having laid the framework for their part of rights, things look difficult for TNT, While the former’s deal includes significant regular season and post-season games for a decade, ESPN is expected to land the Finals for the same period of time. This has narrowed TNT’s chances with the NBA, who are likely in favor of NBC because they have been known to hit records with streaming on Peacock.

Furthermore, the CEO of Warner Bros., David Zaslav made a stir with his comment that the network doesn’t “have to have the NBA.” The situation is pretty tough among the veteran hosts of the show right now. What is your take on this? Let us know in the comments section below.