Recent reports suggest that Turner Sports may be losing the bidding war with NBC for a major sports media rights deal. NBC is reportedly ready to offer a $2.5 billion package to become the third network, along with ESPN and Amazon.
Bill Simmons of The Ringer hinted on his latest podcast episode that the deal might have already been sealed. “One of the funniest things ever is that we’re all pretending that the TV deal wasn’t done like a week and a half ago,” Simmons said. “I think it’s done. I think Warner [Bros. Discovery] already lost it. And I don’t know why we’re waiting until after the playoffs, maybe that’s how they have to do it. But it’s a wrap. NBC’s getting it. I’m just telling you.”
If this is the case, the Western Conference Finals could potentially mark the final appearance of the beloved ‘Inside the NBA’ crew, and the sports community is rallying for a proper send-off. When asked about potentially joining another show, Charles Barkley expressed his loyalty to his long-time colleague Ernie Johnson, stating he wouldn’t consider a move if Johnson wasn’t involved.
After Simmons’s words went viral, fans on Twitter speculated and started to overreact to the idea of the group being broken up after this season.
“dad, what was inside the nba?” pic.twitter.com/G8WLsAN0ED
— michael doleac (@3MWD__) May 14, 2024
TNT outbid by NBC for broadcast rights to the NBA. "Inside the NBA" is in its final season. #NBA
— NBATradeReport (@NBATradeReport) May 14, 2024
if we really lose Inside The NBA we will be exponentially worse as a society for itpic.twitter.com/EpE0urUIqQ
— Dommy Vercetti (@WGGPapaDom) May 14, 2024
We cannot lose Inside the NBA, too many great moments like this one pic.twitter.com/zWzgSHgEdk
— Nique-a-Zoid 🎮 (@BigBossDJB) May 14, 2024
Folks saying the NBA won’t miss Inside The NBA is a bold face lie… Have yall sat through an actual pregame show for ESPN? We doomed man…
— Maybe: Jacoby (@Getthebagcoach) May 14, 2024
We’re losing Inside the NBA but getting the NBA on NBC theme music back pic.twitter.com/C8zZ2PsX3J
— Hoochie Hashira (@BlizzyEscoe) May 14, 2024
with NBC purchasing rights to NBA games, looks like "Inside the NBA" on TNT with Ernie, Charles, Kenny and Shaq will just be a memory after this season. Enjoy the ride. One of the great sports shows ever.
— Dick Weiss (@HoopsWeiss) May 14, 2024
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