“Charles Barkley on Undisputed would be generational television!” – NBC outbidding TNT for NBA’s broadcast rights has fans brewing WILD theories on social media

TNT has not matched or outbid NBC's $2.5 billion broadcasting bid for NBA games.

“Charles Barkley on Undisputed would be generational television!” – NBC outbidding TNT for NBA’s broadcast rights has fans brewing WILD theories on social media

Fans go wild on the internet after news trickled in that Charles Barkley and his Inside the NBA crew will no longer continue after NBC's bid

The end might be in sight for the Inside the NBA crew. If reports are to be believed, this upcoming season could be the last time the quartet of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson will be seen together, after NBC outbid TNT. Fans of the show, not happy even though an official decision hasn’t been made, have some wild theories brewing.

NBC has bid $2.5 billion to secure exclusive broadcasting rights with the NBA. This means, except for the NBA Finals which ESPN has exclusive rights to, TNT will no longer broadcast any NBA games, giving rise to the notion that the quartet will no longer be able to host the show Inside the NBA. It also means 30+ years of running their banter and analysis based on their understanding of the game will no longer be there.

Any chance of all four moving to NBC and resuming their hilarious takes on everything basketball and life can throw at them is not in the works. Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith can join other networks. However, Ernie Johnson has made it clear that he will not leave TNT.

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Barkley was quick to suggest in an interview earlier that without Johnson the quartet will not work. They have tried other hosts, but they do not bring the ability to balance the banter along with their actual work of being basketball analysts that Johnson has mastered all these years.

Fans have wild theories for the future of Inside the NBA crew after NBC bid

Once their current deals expire, Charles Barkley could join any top network that interests him and wants to pay top dollar. Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith could have the same mindset. It is also possible that all of the four end up working at different networks and different shows. All of these theories are being thrown onto the internet by passionate fans.

They want the best for them but also are sad for this to end. Check out some of their reactions below:

With the way the deals are moving forward, the official announcement is just around the corner. Basketball fans might have to say goodbye to their beloved quartet after next season.

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