Stephen A. Smith facing snub from Shaq and Charles Barkley’s show despite Inside the NBA joining ESPN
Inside the NBA, a fan favorite, has been acquired by ESPN, but Stephen A. Smith will not be joining the cast.
A deal was reached between Warner Bros. Discovery and ESPN that would allow the show to premiere on the network beginning in the 2025–2026 season.
The only change is that the show will now air on ESPN, although TNT will still run and produce it.
Magnus stated, “They’re going to produce it, and that’s exactly what we want,” during the SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast.
“Obviously, we won’t alter the performance.
“Why would we take something so successful and so iconic, bring it over and then be like, ‘We know better, we re gonna change it.'”
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Magnus took sure to stress that the ESPN edition of Inside the NBA will be the same as the one that fans enjoy.
“We do not wish to alter it. He stated, “We don’t want to introduce fresh talent into it.”
“We don t want to really do anything to it.”
Stephen A. Smith won’t be added to the cast since keeping the show the same means not changing it.
Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson will instead perform their regular roles on Inside the NBA.
Magnus declared, “They’ll do the NBA Final,”
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“They will participate in a Conference Final as a component of a current rights agreement. They will perform for the duration of the playoffs.
“After that, they’ll mostly perform on ABC on Saturday nights and/or Sunday afternoons during the regular season.
Additionally, there is a system for a few specific ESPN games. The main event of the regular season, Opening Night, takes place in November or December.
For instance, it would have been ideal to activate for that game on ESPN if Boston vs. Cleveland had taken place on Tuesday night. After that, there’s Christmas Day and other events.
Fans expressed their joy on social media after learning that Stephen A. wouldn’t be compelled to play in the NBA.
“WE WON,” exclaimed one fan.
“Thank god,” exclaimed another admirer.
“That would have seriously damaged the performance. “An ESPN W decision at last,” remarked a third enthusiast.
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“You know the crew did not want him lol… Charles and Shaq would make life hell for him,” stated another fan.
“Well done ESPN,” remarked a fifth admirer.
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