“Stay ya a** on TV!” ESPN rival Stephen A. Smith has emotional message for Inside The NBA crew on heart-breaking news

The NBA on TNT show is on the verge of losing its live TV rights.

“Stay ya a** on TV!” ESPN rival Stephen A. Smith has emotional message for Inside The NBA crew on heart-breaking news

Stephen A Smith, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal and Ernie Johnson

All indications point to the 2024-25 campaign being the final season of the “Inside the NBA” show. As reported by the Sports Business Journal, the NBA will finalize media rights agreements with Disney, NBC, and Amazon shortly. Just like many NBA fans, fellow/rival TV presenters and analysts are upset with his heartbreaking news too.

Stephen A. Smith, the host of the “Stephen A Smith Show” is one of them. Not only that, Smith claimed that nothing should break up the NBA on TNT crew. He also claimed that the famous crew should stay put and keep doing what they do best.

YouTube video
Stay you a** on TV, don't go nowhere.
On the Stephen A Smith show, Smith said

This was somewhat of a heartfelt emotional message towards the NBA on TNT crew. Smith is often known for his wild takes on NBA players and coaches but this was his soft side that was on display towards the NBA on TNT crew.

FS Video

Importantly, Warner Bros. and TNT Sports will probably be unable to match the agreement, as their present contracts pay only $1.2 billion. Also, Warner Bros. is $40 billion in debt and lacks the same over-the-air equipment as NBC and its parent firm Comcast.

Charles Barkley reveals Ernie Johnson’s future after no NBA on TNT

The famous NBA on TNT show is on the verge of losing its TV rights after the likes of Amazon, and Disney offering more better deals to the NBA. This would also see the iconic NBA on TNT crew get separated and lose their jobs.

Recently, Charles Barkley made some revelations regarding the NBA on TNT show. He claimed that almost 200 people could lose their jobs. He also claimed that show host Ernie Johnson may retire if the deal falls through.

Charles Barkley was roasted for his gambling habits on Inside the NBA show
Charles Barkley (via TNT)
It sucks right now, I really feel bad man...we probably gonna lose ahh...200 people are gonna lose their jobs if we lose the NBA.
Charles Barkley said via SiriusXM NBA Radio
I know Ernie will not go anywhere else, Ernie is almost 70 years old and I think he's gonna retire.
When questioned about hosting on another channel, Charles Barkley replied

It remains to be seen now what happens next with the NBA on TNT show in the coming weeks/months. The show fans will be hoping for a positive outcome regarding this situation.

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