Since joining Inside the NBA in 2011, Shaquille O’Neal has been a central figure in the show’s rise to prominence. His larger-than-life personality, comedic presence, and sharp basketball insights have made him an invaluable part of the program. However, with TNT set to move Inside the NBA to ESPN next year, questions arose about whether O’Neal would remain with the show.
According to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, O’Neal has restated those concerns by securing a massive long-term deal with TNT Sports. The agreement will pay him over $15 million per year.
“Shaquille O’Neal has an agreement in place for an enormous long-term deal with TNT Sports that will pay him over $15 million per year,” McCarthy reported.
Shaquille O'Neal has agreed to a deal for a reported $15 million per year to remain on Inside the NBA, per @FOS.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 14, 2025
The show will be licensed to ESPN from TNT starting next season. pic.twitter.com/JXQtcRaW7l
With the deal, Shaq cements his place among the highest-paid sports media figures in the world. TNT’s move comes as part of a broader licensing agreement, as it has exchanged the rights to the program in return for a package of Big 12 college football and basketball games.
Shaquille O’Neal Fulfills His Wish To Stay with “Inside the NBA”
Shaquille O’Neal’s new deal aligns with his previous statements about wanting to stay with Inside the NBA for as long as possible. Speaking on The OGs podcast last year, he deeply appreciated his colleagues and the show’s legacy.
“In a perfect world, I would love for us to stay together forever, but it’s in the hands of the powers right now. But this last year is gonna be a phenomenal year, you know Chuck is gonna go crazy, I’m gonna go crazy. It’s gonna be fun. Hopefully, this is not the last year,” O’Neal said.
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Despite offers from NBC and Amazon, O’Neal ultimately chose to remain with TNT. His decision secures his financial future and maintains the chemistry that has made Inside the NBA one of the most beloved sports shows on television.
