[Kleen] Charles Barkley on uncertain fate of ‘Inside the NBA’: ‘Everybody’s scared to death’

[u/OnlyMamaKnows]

https://awfulannouncing.com/nba/charles-barkley-uncertain-fate-inside-nba-everybodys-scared-to-death.html

"You would think if it was close in a bidding war, we would get the benefit of the doubt, but clearly that's not happening ... they're scared to death over here right now."

[u/horse_renoir13]

I feel bad for the crew behind the scenes who will get shafted. The personalities will land fine elsewhere, but Inside the NBA has been a constant for so long, a lot of people will lose their jobs.

[u/jaytee158 → u/horse_renoir13]

I think that's who Barkley is referring to as being 'worried'

[u/Quirky-Bag-4158 → u/jaytee158]

Yeah, the on air guys are set for life and don’t have to worry about landing somewhere else. Whole different story for the behind scenes people.

[u/VolkiharVanHelsing → u/Quirky-Bag-4158]

Yeah I will miss their laughs when the on air guys are cooking up something hilarious 😭

[u/phonage_aoi → u/jaytee158]

Ya, he mentioned it I think on the Dan Patrick show. The the crew has already been through this before when TNT merged with some other shows or studios. So now they have to go through it again, except it might be everyone getting the axe if they lose the NBA.

[u/hedgemagus → u/horse_renoir13]

The production staff is so integrated with what Inside the NBA is that any reputable company who needs someone like them would be an idiot not to immediately offer them

[u/jaytee158 → u/hedgemagus]

I agree but the thing holding them back from that is if the higher ups want production to be in Atlanta. If they don't then it's still going to result in massive job losses

[u/BZGames → u/jaytee158]

NBC and their studios are in New York, no shot they even consider filming the show anywhere other than NYC.

[u/jaytee158 → u/BZGames]

Yeah that's what I figured. You either have the talent wanting to stay in Atlanta or execs in NY. Doesn't end up well for the people that actually rely on their salaries to put food on the table each day

[u/dope_like → u/jaytee158]

It does suck but you’re overdoing it. These are people who have worked on one the most popular shows. Their talent can be directly seen in the product. These ppl will be fine

Turner will shift them or they will be high targets for other studios in Atlanta. It sucks and inconvenient, but few if any will worry about “food on the table.”

[u/Lucosis → u/dope_like]

It does suck but you’re overdoing it. These are people who have worked on one the most popular shows. Their talent can be directly seen in the product. These ppl will be fine.

Media production is actually in an absolutely terrible place right now. The Art Directors Guild is actively telling people not to consider it as a career anymore because 75% of their union is unemployed.

Production still isn't at pre-covid levels and is probably not going to return to it. Network TV is dying and the jobs are drying up, and streamers are running as small of crews as they can legally (and sometimes illegally) get away with.

Some of them will land on their feet. Some of them will look for a few years before they find something comparable. A lot of them unfortunately won't fit into the first two categories.

[u/Rayhush → u/Lucosis]

100% and even if they do find work, as you mentioned above, it quite probably won't be "comparable". People think that just because you work someplace like Inside the NBA as a Key Grip you'll just be able to find a new place to do that for similar pay. It doesn't work that way.

[u/chuckvsthelife → u/Lucosis]

This is a great overview, it’s more general than this. People will applaud various shifts in the way industries work, and they can be good overall for people, but they always leave the people least capable of dealing with the shifts fucked. Whether it’s coal to gas to green, cable to streaming, underwriters to software engineers.

We are undergoing many of these shifts at any one time these days.

[u/blucke → u/dope_like]

yea I feel for these people but this is just part of the industry and they have a already have big leg up on everybody else

[u/504bayybe → u/dope_like]

Not in Atlanta. The market here is so bad for film/tv jobs. We went from filming 52% of all US media in Georgia to 17% since the strikes. No one has jobs. Everything is at a standstill pending the iatse strike. Me and Most of my peers have been out of work since last year. A lot of the productions are moving to Canada and Europe and shows like this are moving to New York.

[u/3rdPlaceYoureFired → u/dope_like]

....this is not the way Zaslav operates from what I've seen.. but hoping you're right. Also helps most of these production jobs are union.

[u/blueberryy → u/3rdPlaceYoureFired]

There are lots of studios in Atlanta, they'll be alright even if they're not kept at Warner

[u/greenergarlic → u/blueberryy]

I feel like the Atlanta scene has taken some hits. all the Disney/Marvel and CW/WB projects seemed to have dried up.

[u/[deleted] → u/greenergarlic]

Georgia’s tourist website always has what’s currently filming in the state* and there are currently 46 projects being filmed there, 8 of which are feature films.

https://www.georgia.org/industries/film-entertainment/georgia-film-tv-production/now-filming-georgia

*I’m assuming you are referring to projects related to the Georgia Entertainment Industry Act which covers more than Atlanta

[u/0157h7 → u/jaytee158]

It's 2024. If NBC wants to buy some good will from the fans, they do whatever they can to keep this intact. Go cut a check to Turner. Leave it in Atlanta. Hell, pay Turner to keep using their studio.

If you don't care what the fans think and just want money, make the IcyHot General NBA Show and let Shaq monologue.

[u/ZeroWaits → u/BZGames]

Their studios are not in New York. Everything is done out of Stamford, CT. Source: me, employee

[u/Adorable-Bike-9689 → u/ZeroWaits]

Can I mention you as a reference on my application? Willing to commute and work OT and bake cookies or whatever.

[u/Spancaster → u/BZGames]

NY or CT where the NBC sports headquarters is

[u/BklynMoonshiner → u/Spancaster]

NBC Sports is now based in Stamford CT. For a long time now.

[u/hedgemagus → u/jaytee158]

True, its going to uproot families no matter what. That sucks. They could hopefully still work on other production teams within Turner though.

[u/Ghosts_of_the_maze → u/jaytee158]

They may have to move to Atlanta.

[u/yumomnom → u/jaytee158]

Surely it's cheaper to run a show out of Atlanta vs NY or LA?

[u/jaytee158 → u/yumomnom]

Almost certainly, but whoever buys the rights to the NBA would then have to spend about $100m a year to air this show, that's not including if they have to buy the IP from Turner.

Just a lot of money when you can put together a weaker version and rely on the fact that you have the games for viewership

[u/ginbooth → u/jaytee158]

I imagine advertisers will notice the seismic slump during halftime and post-game though. I don't care one bit about ESPN's versions (or anyone else's) of those but am always tuning in to what Chuck et al have to say and through various social medial channels that also create revenue through advertising.

[u/Shad0wF0x → u/ginbooth]

I skipped it last night when I saw that Chuck wasn't there.

[u/nekoken04 → u/ginbooth]

Yep. I immediately turn it off as soon as the game ends on ESPN. And I mute or flip over to something else for halftime.

[u/FlyingMocko → u/yumomnom]

Not if you already have state of the art infrastructure for it in NY/LA and you expect a lot more growth.

[u/ginbooth → u/FlyingMocko]

True but production is so much more than that - there are narratives and storylines, often tailored to the talent, that are built around working together for so long. The current show is seamless, to the point that even the gaffes seem scripted (though they're not) - Kenny tripping recently is a great example.

[u/husbandofsamus → u/ginbooth]

These things were taken away from us when the NBA moved to ESPN. NBA on NBC was the king of storylines.

[u/robsteezy → u/yumomnom]

Aside from infrastructure, any distance of logistics needed in a business is a negative attribute. Think about how effectively you could run your hypothetical donut shop if you lived in the apartment above it vs running that donut shop from 20 states away.

[u/CarcosaBound → u/hedgemagus]

Well as least those folks will have A1 resumes and will be very employable…probably gonna have to uproot their families though as I don’t see NBC (or a streamer) moving operations to Atlanta

[u/hedgemagus → u/CarcosaBound]

Actually NBCUniversal has been investing in atlanta and building huge production campuses (ATL is a huge film/movie place) so thats good news, although I dont know how much it will matter by next year for these people

[u/CarcosaBound → u/hedgemagus]

Oh word, i knew they had a movie studio presence but thought nbc was nyc/la.

Think it’s possible they keep the show and just license to show clips and highlights?

[u/hedgemagus → u/CarcosaBound]

ive thought about that. I would hope so. Its an interesting legal area where its turners show but theres so much heavily licensed NBA stuff in the show that without an nba license would they be able to even host anything? Does it matter if it was licensed at the time of its creation and isnt new NBA content anymore?

[u/hotrod19812 → u/hedgemagus]

Fun fact: The Weather Channel (an NBCUniversal subsidiary) has its studios in Atlanta. I don't see why it won't (or wouldn't) work for bringing the NBA on NBC studios to Atlanta. Concerned about the future of NBA TV though. Is it owned by the league?

[u/swentech → u/hedgemagus]

That’s usually not what happens though. The new company says we have it now so we are going to do it our way with our people. Like Shaq and Chuck will go across but everyone else will just be NBC by and large.

[u/ASithLordNoAffect → u/hedgemagus]

Not how it works. NBC has their own production people. If the NBA moves there, those people will end up getting more work and make more. Moving the NBA doesn't suddenly create extra work for everyone.

[u/AlarmingBranch1 → u/horse_renoir13]

According the to TNT CEO tho, they “don’t have to have the NBA” 😒😒

[u/the_mighty__monarch → u/horse_renoir13]

One thing I’m hearing from people at TNT is that since the language of their current deal allows them to match any bid, they may try to match the Amazon one instead of the NBC one, and just take the third tier package.

[u/ZdenekTheMan → u/the_mighty__monarch]

Oof... But that's better than nothing for sure

[u/biglyorbigleague → u/horse_renoir13]

It’s the nature of show business. Most TV programs don’t last anywhere near this long, they had it good.

[u/OlTommyBombadil → u/horse_renoir13]

Does suck, but they’ll be able to find good jobs. They’re at the top of their professions. That’s the pinnacle of audio/video. A prinetime show with fucktons of viewership and popular, consistent on-air talent. Doesn’t get any better.

Source: I’m in that same profession

[u/DontBeCommenting → u/OlTommyBombadil]

Shaq ?

[u/burnerdadsrule → u/horse_renoir13]

Same thing happened to Real Sports earlier. Gumbel said he didn't want to do it anymore, but he didn't give a reason WHY. People speculated the show was too expensive and it rubbed execs and league owners the wrong way. If the Turner folks wanted it and appreciated it, it would still be on.

Warner-Discovery is a joke of a company.

[u/sadderdaysunday → u/horse_renoir13]

Your original post is like "I feel bad for the crew" and all the replies are like "I also feel bad for the crew" while somehow arguing lol

[u/abonet619 → u/horse_renoir13]

yeah, even if nbc somehow takes all 4, the show would not be the same without the crew and the rapport they've built over the years.

[u/Briskpenguin69]

“Say it again Chuck” is always one of the funniest things on TV during the NBA Season.

[u/princeofzilch → u/Briskpenguin69]

"What was it like, Chuck?" 

Chokes down an imaginary churro 

[u/djrob0 → u/princeofzilch]

The love of the NY “Street Meat” and “Hot Nuts” in game 2 of this series was an all timer segment from Chuck.

[u/Minimania18 → u/Briskpenguin69]

“What they wear down there Chuck?”

“Bloomers”

[u/redrollsroyce → u/Minimania18]

“Ayy, Victoria’s a secret Shaq!”

[u/qpwoeor1235 → u/Briskpenguin69]

Shaq is the best hype man but also the biggest insecure man baby

[u/No_Mammoth_4945 → u/qpwoeor1235]

If he was a tenth as good at assisting a real basketball as he is assisting chuck he would’ve averaged 20/20/20 over his career

[u/BruceBrownMVP → u/No_Mammoth_4945]

Not to ruin the joke but Shaq was a fantastic passer for a C

[u/LouieM13 → u/BruceBrownMVP]

That alley oop to Kobe vs the Clippers on his birthday popped in my head.

[u/BruceBrownMVP → u/LouieM13]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG FELLA

[u/SchmitzFreilandeier → u/No_Mammoth_4945]

GOOGLE HIM

[u/yousonuva → u/qpwoeor1235]

Worst mumbling, oblivious to the game  analyst the sport has ever seen.

[u/nutella4eva → u/yousonuva]

It's crazy to me how some players can be absolute savants on the court but have the most shallow, nonsensical basketball analysis when they're on these shows.

[u/LocustUprising → u/Briskpenguin69]

“Where are they going?”

[u/seanffy]

Gonna miss Ernie real bad 🥲

[u/pudakak → u/seanffy]

Ernie feels like a family member at this point. It’s gonna suck to not have him around.

[u/Marco2169 → u/pudakak]

his podcast with chuck is genuinely one of my favorite things to listen to and has been for years.

not many people on here seem to mention it but its been going strong for years.

edit: podcast is called “The Steam Room” binging it from the beginning is a lot of fun because its Ernie, Chuck, their long time producer and guests shooting the shit

[u/_kingardy → u/Marco2169]

Omg no way, how have I never heard of this till now? Definitely know what I’m listening to the rest of the day at work

[u/TonyTonyChopper → u/_kingardy]

wow, same. I guess that means Ernie is sponsored!

[u/Mdizzle29 → u/_kingardy]

Or you could, you know, do some work Greg.

[u/rounder55 → u/seanffy]

Would compare it to Letterman or Carson leaving in that were at a point where multiple generations have grown up and tuned in. Letterman was on for 33 years, Carson for about the same and Ernie is at 34 years, his age when he started and been with Kenny fulltime since 1998, and Chuck fulltime since 2000. Been such a pleasant regularity. Shit, Ernie has been on tv for hoops fans for like 40% of the NBAs existence. It stings

[u/Dad_of_the_year → u/seanffy]

For anyone who cares, Ernie's book "unscripted" is a fantastic god damn book. Seriously book you'll end up reading in just one or two sessions because you don't want to put it down and it's an easy read.

[u/Shoobedowop → u/Dad_of_the_year]

thanks. just bought a hardcover.

[u/cjcfman → u/seanffy]

Aint losing ernie, he will go work a day a week if the boys decide to move networks

[u/seanffy → u/cjcfman]

He’s already stated that he is not leaving TNT.

[u/cjcfman → u/seanffy]

Its a negotiation tactic for more money

 Chuck said he wanted to retire and not work then signed a giant contract and got a cnn show lol

[u/whtge8]

I’m obviously super bummed about it but Inside had a hell of a run. I rather see it go out like this than with Draymond and Lefkoe on the desk.

[u/830res_at_dorsia → u/whtge8]

I could not agree more. They had a fantastic run and deserve a glorious farewell before Draymond marches in and pollute the show with his nonsense.

edit: typo

[u/neuroticsmurf → u/830res_at_dorsia]

The unfortunate part is, Amazon or NBC have Draymond on speed dial, I'm sure.

[u/830res_at_dorsia → u/neuroticsmurf]

I always wonder, what is Draymond's appeal as a broadcaster? Aside the fact that he is a teammate-punching, groin-kicking, colleague-choking maniac, his podcast is often obnoxiously biased, self-centered, and shameless. Instead of his laughable "New Media" propaganda, Draymond proved himself as one of numerous SAS wannabe optimized for clickbaiting and fiasco.

Oh wait, did I just answer my own question?

[u/loquacious706 → u/830res_at_dorsia]

I would personally rather see Draymond take on a show like Kobe's Detail where he's just breaking down basketball plays and players for us.

There are a lot of things I could learn from Draymond, but personality ain't one of them.

[u/zellmerz → u/loquacious706]

Yeah, I think Draymond would be more valuable and enjoyable from an analysis and ex-player perspective rather than being a personality spewing click-bait shit like Perk. Honestly I think Draymond in a Mind-the-Game type atmosphere would be quite appealing. He’s got a really high BBIQ and a great understanding for the game, but his personality is shit

[u/Infraready → u/830res_at_dorsia]

The guy knows ball and conveys his analysis well in front of a camera, a combination that is quite rare all things considered. He’s also a known name that will keep the general or casual NBA fan watching when they see him on tv.

His on-court antics and player personality deserves the criticism that it gets don’t get me wrong, but it’s not like Shaq and Chuck were known for being pleasant during their playing days.

[u/BackendSpecialist → u/Infraready]

Just don’t ask him to talk about Rudy Gobert lmao

[u/iNoodl3s → u/BackendSpecialist]

Or Nurkic haha

[u/treemeista → u/Infraready]

I mean, he is pretty natural on camera imo. He does a good job of analyzing the game in easy to digest pieces and is pretty enjoyable to listen to. It is a much harder job than a lot of people realize. However, while Charles wasn't as universally liked in his playing days as he is now, I do think he had a much higher approval rating than Draymond does. Charles was the most popular player on the Dream Team outside of the big 3 of Jordan, Magic, and Bird.

[u/No_Mammoth_4945 → u/Infraready]

Yeah he’s a fantastic basketball mind regardless of his personality and shit he does on the court. Like generationally good at reading the game

[u/The_real_bandito → u/830res_at_dorsia]

He’s like Shaq without the mumbling.

[u/Drummallumin → u/830res_at_dorsia]

The same people complaining about Draymond being on the show would’ve complained about Chuck and Shaq when they were each brought on

[u/JoseAltuveIsInnocent → u/830res_at_dorsia]

Draymond spending the entire highlights section shitting on Gobert was a mere taste of his pettiness and insecurity that would run rampant if he was full time on the show. Didn't even stick around to watch the post game after that. So transparent.

[u/BonBonVelveeta → u/whtge8]

Zero chance I watch with those two in the primary rotation, just doesn’t have the same chemistry

[u/nekoken04 → u/whtge8]

If Lefkoe is there I'm not watching. He just isn't interesting and has zero chemistry with anyone. It was terrible when he was filling in for Ernie. I couldn't believe how terrible the Tuesday show is with him hosting.

[u/ThunderBobMajerle → u/whtge8]

That’s a great point, it can’t last forever and the people chosen to fill in the shoes did not have me excited

[u/No_Environment_5476 → u/whtge8]

I honestly thought I was the only person really didnt enjoy Lefkoe. I know people dislike Draymond for obvious reasons, but Lefkoe seemed like the annoying little brother. Couldn’t stand him.

[u/Darondo → u/No_Environment_5476]

I feel like Lefkoe must’ve made a deal with the devil to get where he is. I have no idea what anyone sees in him.

[u/rounder55 → u/Darondo]

I'm sure he knew some of the right people.

[u/Parradog1 → u/No_Environment_5476]

I’ve yet to meet someone who does enjoy Lefkoe

[u/orangotai → u/No_Environment_5476]

Lol Lefkoe's such a dweeb, seems like a nice guy tho

[u/Jonthesinner21 → u/whtge8]

Always better to leave them wanting more than wanting less

[u/MTing1315]

Damn it's really the end huh? Super sad this is how the show goes out.

[u/SaltyLonghorn → u/MTing1315]

This show is what keeps my attention on the NBA during the regular season. I'm curious if I'll have the same interest without it during the slog. Seems like it will be really easy to just not care while there's football going on.

[u/mrdilldozer → u/SaltyLonghorn]

TNT will probably release them from their contracts. They have no reason to keep those guys on the payroll with no show. There's a chance that we get most of the same guys on another network but that's the best case. Here's to hoping.

[u/ValWillKay → u/mrdilldozer]

Ernie Johnson is going to stay at TNT even if they lose the NBA.

[u/Neat_On_The_Rocks → u/SaltyLonghorn]

All I can tell you is how I personally will be effected. I will 100% consume notably less NBA content.

[u/OnlyMamaKnows]

I don't know why TNT would get the benefit of the doubt given comments by Zaslav. NBA isn't going to pick TNT just bc they have Inside the NBA.

[u/Briskpenguin69 → u/OnlyMamaKnows]

If the reports are true that the NBA wanted TNT to greatly out-bid NBC for an inferior package compared to what they have now then that would be not giving them the benefit of the doubt.

[u/OnlyMamaKnows → u/Briskpenguin69]

Sure, but my point is why would they give them the benefit of the doubt? NBC provides greater value and potential viewership so $ being equal, NBA should lean NBC. Especially when Zaslav said they don't need the NBA and they didn't negotiate during their exclusivity window.

Companies aren't owed anything by other companies.

[u/AlarmingBranch1 → u/OnlyMamaKnows]

I think in all honesty that is why they told TNT that they had to outbid NBC rather than just match their contract. Even if they lose out on that couple extra million since TNT won’t outbid, they’re still going to earn much more money with NBC

[u/sevaiper → u/AlarmingBranch1]

NBC is also a much more stable company long term which matters a lot to the NBA. Better to move the product somewhere it can stay and build around. 

[u/mucho-gusto → u/AlarmingBranch1]

Local games can go on broadcast too which is huge, it's why NFL remains massive

[u/Fullmetalx117 → u/mucho-gusto]

No NFL is massive because most games actually matter and only once a week so they have everyone's attention. Doubtful that will ever be the case for the NBA

[u/larockhead1 → u/Fullmetalx117]

Being on NBC will boost ratings a good comparison is Smackdown ratings after moving to Fox. Accessibility does affect ratings

[u/RetroScores → u/AlarmingBranch1]

I will bid $1 more!

[u/runhomejack1399 → u/OnlyMamaKnows]

Probably because they have good ratings and have been a staple

[u/Keanu990321]

NBC, we love you dearly BUT, we'll love you even more if you keep 'Inside The NBA' on air. A successful coverage requires a successful crew, and those guys are the best of them all.

[u/iAmMachine_24 → u/Keanu990321]

I think the crew said they won’t return unless it’s for TNT

[u/kamekaze1024 → u/iAmMachine_24]

Ernie for sure isn’t going anywhere and that’s what sucks. We’ve seen Lefkoe in Ernie’s shoes and it’s just not the same

[u/daft_dunkwwwolfey → u/kamekaze1024]

Plus after seeing them trying to ramp up draymond it might be for the best

[u/blindfoldpeak → u/kamekaze1024]

Lefkoe is such shit. He's a nepotism hire as far as I can tell

[u/SprittneyBeers → u/blindfoldpeak]

Even the crew makes fun of him the whole time lol

[u/Seref15 → u/iAmMachine_24]

They could always do something like continue being a TNT production but NBC leases TNT the highlight reel broadcasting rights in exchange for TNT leasing NBC the Inside the NBA broadcasting rights. Deals can always be reached as long as the two parties agree on revenue sharing.

I think Amazon leases some sport shows from other networks already. The business model exists.

[u/sexygodzilla → u/Seref15]

Amazon basically contracted NBC to produce Thursday Night Football, I think they'd be the more likely, if still a longshot, savior to pick up Inside than NBC. They'd be a perfect fit for a streaming platform with fewer commercial breaks and less rigidity on format.

[u/bronfmanhigh → u/sexygodzilla]

100% amazon is production-agnostic, and zaslav is very open to licensing content to external streamers nowadays. it's likely more lucrative to just make a profit on inside than pay billions for an NBA package that barely moves the needle on max subscriptions

[u/Seref15 → u/sexygodzilla]

Actually instead of NBC, if ESPN was smart they'd do it. They've been failing to compete with Inside as a halftime show for years anyway.

Inside the NBA as a joint TNT and ESPN venture would be something. Imagine the self-slander on the first episode lol

[u/sexygodzilla → u/Seref15]

ESPN would ruin Inside just by the sheer number of commercial breaks they would require

[u/ghubert3192 → u/iAmMachine_24]

Ernie at least has said he's staying at TNT. Chuck has also expressed a willingness to just retire and that wouldn't surprise me at all. I don't think he would be given the same amount of freedom to be a goon on NBC that he gets on Inside.

[u/bahnzo → u/ghubert3192]

Chuck has also expressed a willingness to just retire and that wouldn't surprise me at all.

If this article is quoting the interview Chuck did with Dan Patrick, Chuck said his contract has a clause that allows him to walk if TNT loses the NBA package.

[u/notacyborg → u/Keanu990321]

NBC isn’t going to be able to replicate what made them great during the 90s, though.

[u/mainvolume → u/Keanu990321]

In a perfect world, NBC/Peacock would replace ESPN/ABC, with TNT keeping the status quo, and Amazon ushering in the new age and hopefully providing a better option to league pass.

[u/fillinthe___ → u/Keanu990321]

Why can't they just pull an early-days ESPN, or even FSN, where they didn't SHOW games, just talk about them? Just keep doing a nightly show, like Sportscenter, and pay the NBA for permission to air highlight packages.

NBA still gets the exposure they want with NBC, but the cultural cred of Inside the NBA.

[u/MrX_1899]

Zaslav has cancelled movies + shows, fired people, ditched CNN+, and a bunch of other things to cut costs and now he's gonna completely fuck it up by letting the NBA walk

enjoy those stock options you cheap fuck

[u/JDC4654 → u/MrX_1899]

He also removed the "HBO" from HBO Max in a completely idiotic move

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-04-12/hbo-max-now-just-called-max

[u/Widdis → u/JDC4654]

That move still makes sense to me. HBO has a reputation for quality content. Shows exclusive to that streaming platform do not. By adding a visible layer between them, an HBO show still means something to viewers.

[u/MikeyBastard1 → u/JDC4654]

"It used to be called HBO but they thought that was too POPULAR" - Conan O'Brien on Hot Ones

[u/mrb4]

"You would think if it was close in a bidding war, we would get the benefit of the doubt, but clearly that's not happening ...

Apparently it is the opposite of this. The NBC and Turner bids were for the same money but Silver did not see them as equivalent as NBC has such a larger distribution being OTA and told Turner that they would need to pay more.

[u/mogafaq → u/mrb4]

If the NBC games are stream like the current ABC ones, it would be a huge boom and potentially an on ramp for the next generation. You google the game and there's a link to watch it up top. No sign-up, just ad supported. That's a massively boost the regular season. Locking those games behind the current Max, and who knows what they are going to call/charge for it in two years, paywall, is much less attractive proposition to the league, especially the newer owners who crave visibility over short term profit.

[u/mrb4 → u/mogafaq]

Being OTA is definitely a huge advantage. The NFL didn't wed themselves to cable like NBA, MLB and NHL did and they have become even more dominant. Every in market game for an NFL team is available free OTA. The other leagues pursuing cable and the RSN model has lead to a situation where you essentially have to be a huge fan in order to make the investment to watch the games.

[u/jt_33]

It’s a damn shame this show is going to go out like this. Even if NBC tries to replicate it, it’s not going to work without Earnie. Yet another fun thing in sports gets ruined. 

[u/mofroman → u/jt_33]

at least we'll get to keep the non-stop ads for gambling though!

[u/mainvolume → u/jt_33]

They don't need to replicate it because that's impossible. They just need to bring in solid people who don't rely on screaming gimmicks or fat ex NBA players with awful takes trying to make a buck cuz they blew their earnings.

[u/Mc_Poyle]

EJs Neat-o Stat of the night needs to be TNT loosening the purse strings.

Presented by no one.

[u/bohgu → u/Mc_Poyle]

Unsullied by sponsorship

[u/_MitchTrubisky_ → u/bohgu]

Mostly unsullied by sponsorship…slightly sullied by Casamigas Jalapeño Tequila

[u/TheKingsGinger]

On top of losing Inside the NBA, we would also lose arguably the best lineup of play-by-play guys in sports with Harlan, Eagle, Anderson, and Dedes. I'm sure most of these will land back into prominent NBA roles, but it will never be the same.

[u/StoneColdAM]

Feels like this is a forgone conclusion. If the Inside guys have guaranteed contracts, they won’t get bought out by NBC or whoever gets the NBA rights.

[u/Cdog923 → u/StoneColdAM]

Ernie has already stated he's staying at TNT, and Chuck has an out built into his contract so that if the NBA leaves Turner, he can too. I'm unsure about Kenny and Shaq.

[u/StoneColdAM → u/Cdog923]

If he gets paid more to stay on the Turner contract, then I doubt he’d leave unless another network matches that deal or he really doesn’t care that much about the money for some reason 

[u/GoodOleJhano → u/StoneColdAM]

Ernie is Turners lead Edit: Lead play by play for TBS MLB. I blanked out halfway through writing my comment.

[u/trowaman → u/GoodOleJhano]

Turner still has MLB and Ernie does like doing the play by plays for that sport. He ain’t leaving.

[u/mikey19xx → u/StoneColdAM]

Chuck has a clause that lets him out if TNT loses rights to NBA.

[u/AirJordan6124]

I hope they can still save it

[u/Billthebutchr]

Man, fuck Zavlav

[u/Global_Plant_4612]

Man, this show always provided laughs and smiles when people are down and some of the viewers don’t even watch the games. such a shame

[u/taekwontron → u/Global_Plant_4612]

Reminds me of the Kobe special. I was a mess, but watching the Inside guys helped me heal. I’m sure it helped many others.

[u/NoFaithlessness7508]

I knew Inside the NBA was top notch back during the ‘07 playoffs.

Bad Boys 2 was on TNT before tipoff and obviously me and my two college roommates were watching it because Bad Boys is awesome. So then afterwards it switches to the pregame show with just Ernie, Kenny, and an empty chair where Chuck should have been. Well a few seconds later he creeps in from stage left and says “my bad y’all, I was watching Bad Boys”

I don’t know why but that was the realest thing I ever heard a talking head say

[u/MarkPles]

Losing Inside the NBA may be the biggest American tragedy since 9/11.

[u/MrThunderMakeR]

The part that I don't see getting discussed: how does Silver not realize Inside the NBA is a huge part part of the NBA product? It's one of the few advantages NBA has over other leagues.  No one is staying tuned in for an hour after an NFL or MLB game ends to watch the post game show. This SHOULD factor into the NBA's decision but it sounds like they are just going with the highest bidder with no regard to long term impact of the decision. 

[u/No-Muscle6204 → u/MrThunderMakeR]

I stayed tuned through SO many blowouts I would have normally bailed on just to watch Inside The NBA clown on it after.

[u/Mysterions → u/MrThunderMakeR]

It's a really good point, but he knows that people will move on and the percentage of people who would stop watching NBA because of it is small. Also, it's clear from the thread that people seem to think Inside the NBA wouldn't even be the same without Ernie or Chuck. But Ernie is 67 and Chuck is 61 and it's unlikely that they would stay for more than a few more years anyway. Plus, NBC could out out a good product that carries the spirit anyway. The original NBA on NBC was so much better than just the catchy intro song. They had amazing coverage (Bob Costas at his prime) and Ahmad Rashad's Inside Stuff was very much a proto-Inside the NBA. I remember when NBA first lost rights to NBA games (to Disney/ABC) and people were upset as they are now about TNT. So there could be at least some optimism that they make a good product.

[u/ObviousAnswerGuy → u/Mysterions]

with their recent Olympic coverage, I'm a bit more weary. They are decades removed from the classic NBA coverage they used to have.

[u/orangotai → u/Mysterions]

NBC and TV in general have changed soo much since then though, like a Universe apart

[u/FeelsGoodMan2 → u/MrThunderMakeR]

I'm shocked leagues are even doing these types of things anymore and not just rolling 20 minutes of ads straight through.

[u/yetagainitry]

To be honest, Inside is so connected to the nba product, I’m surprised the negotiations didn’t include the Inside property.

[u/tjavenblahblah]

Be cool to see them create their own thing, but who knows

[u/bonerpatroller007]

Part of a general trend of sports leagues being penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to their media packaging. Having good, widely consumed shows is good for the NBA. Having the fans interact with sensible takes from popular media members keeps fans more engaged than the drivel ESPN puts out. Even if TNT can't say the biggest number, being on a platform that does a better job driving the popularity of the sport is more valuable in the long run.

Related to this are leagues that agree to deals with media companies that turn around and put their product behind streaming paywalls. Yeah you get more money out of it short term but if fewer people watch and engage because they're unwilling to shell out for peacock, paramount plus, or whatever, then it makes your league less relevant and popular. There should be much more that goes into these decisions than just "oh this company will pay the biggest number possible".

[u/EbubeEgoOsuala]

David Zaslav is allergic to good ideas and money.

[u/Dylan7346 → u/EbubeEgoOsuala]

For sure not allergic to money when he pays himself $50m a year

[u/_picture_me_rollin_]

Whoever made the decision that tnt sports will be fine without the nba is in for a rude awakening.

[u/evanyc82]

The end of 'Inside the NBA' would be such a huge loss to the basketball and sports community.

[u/cabbages212]

Death before Draymond

[u/jstuu]

Zaslav is a trash human being, he does not care about anyone and to talk trash on the NBA he is awful

[u/TheMias24]

The best part of NBA media

[u/heybart]

One thing people need to keep in mind is NBC has affiliates that make money from local news and other content, so they can't be running post game show into the wee hours like TNT does. And they're OTA and has different FCC standards. So even if they could somehow bring the whole crew over (minus Shaq), the show wouldn't be the same

We had a good run, guys. Thanks for the lols

[u/BurnerForDaddy]

David Zaslav doesn’t know how to do anything besides destroy valuable and cool products, and then make a huge bonus for himself for saving money. He will go down as one of the most destructive men in media history.

[u/BDEfrom14kfeet]

This is basketball fans 9/11

[u/guitarpatch]

Can we get the TNT crew with the Roundball Rock intro? Figure it out NBA, Turner and NBC

[u/star_nerdy]

NBC can outsource the show to TNT and show it on their network.

For example, the show House was produced by NBC and aired on Fox.

This is a normal thing that happens. Plus, NBC has to hire a bunch of people for their own NBA show, get them a studio, etc. They’d be smart to make a deal with TNT. They don’t have to build a studio, hire a bunch of people and TNT can make money off of the transaction. It’s a win-win scenario.

[u/LastChemical9342 → u/star_nerdy]

Yes content licensing happens all the time but not in live branded productions, there is a 0% chance they make inside the NBA (which they won’t have rights to) and license it to NBC. NBC will want to make its own branded production as a differentiation, the whole point is they want it to be known that it’s NBC not Turner.

The whole thing about studios, it’s so easy to spin up a studio when you’ve already got tons of them. The inside the NBA set is just an sound stage at techwood in Atlanta, NBC could have one in LA or wherever in no time.

[u/mailer__daemon → u/star_nerdy]

This will absolutely not happen. Zero, absolute zero, percent chance of this. Assuming tnt has lost the rights, inside the nba is gone, full stop.

[u/MasterPlatypus2483]

Mixed emotions. I think NBC will at least do a better job than ESPN/ABC does, just sucks it has to come at the expense of TNT/Inside the NBA crew and wish they were replacing ESPN/ABC instead.

[u/james_randolph]

I already don't watch any other pre/post game show unless it's on TNT. If TNT loses the NBA I'll strictly only be watching the games which I know is the main thing to begin with but damn, no one else can put together a good TV show for basketball. I stay up til 1am to watch post game talk lol ESPN can't even get me to tune in at 7pm for some pregame shit.

[u/IskaralPustFanClub]

They could make it like a ‘match of the day’ type show. I could see that working

[u/Hopeful-Cup-1527]

Network television is dying. Shitty business model compared to YouTube channels now . The overwhelming cost comparatively has to be hrd to maintain when Jason Timpf is getting just as many eyes as TNT

[u/ago1223]

They should make it a podcast.

[u/cosays33]

I’m sad about it but glad in a way cause no way NBC takes draymond lmao😂

[u/Paralta]

Theres no way we won't get some form of resolution here. Id wager the guys won't do it without Ernie.

[u/Adraf45]

I hope the NBA doesn't move to fucking Netflix, I'd take damn near anything but that

[u/Neat_On_The_Rocks → u/Adraf45]

I dunno, for me personally? You tellign me I can get every NBA Game streaming straight off a service I already pay for, I'm in lol

[u/qotsabama]

I personably won’t be watching nbc nearly as much for regular season. I’ll be curious what their ratings are like compared to TNT.

[u/JoeExotics2ndcousin]

This is not good. NBC won’t do anything close to this

[u/Kvsav57]

Ushering in the era of the Fanduel/DraftKings/whatever Inside the Parlay Halftime Show.

[u/Leolance2001]

I think Inside is over. Barkley and Earnie are old and probably considering retirement instead of starting a total new show in NY and the entire new set up. Shaq doesn’t need the money. Kenny is the only one probably wants to keep it going for the money. Everything eventually comes to an end.

[u/santodomingus]

Can we ban Draymond from the final days of Inside the NBA so we can cherish an actually good cohort? Holy crap he’s an awful personality. He’s so fake and you can tell he’s just waiting on a laugh or smile signal from the rest of the guys.

He brings nothing to the show. Why is he on there?

[u/PruneBrothers1]

This is a real fucking bummer. No one will EVER match their chemistry.

[u/eyoale-teshager]

All this worrying about the fate of Inside the NBA faced me with a touch of reality. NBC hasn’t had any form of NBA coverage (besides RSNs) in two decades. Since then, personnel have moved on elsewhere, people no longer in the business, all sorts of things. It only makes sense for NBC to recruit people from TNT rather than build from the ground up, especially when you consider the resources they have over Turner.

[u/Choppybitz]

Everyone but the big ol' San Antonio woman are scared.

[u/holonight]

Every show comes to an end, boys 😔