Why Shaquille O'Neal is 'frustrated' after ESPN announces deal to save 'Inside the NBA'

Shaquille O'Neal is reportedly 'frustrated' arsenic his aboriginal with 'Inside The NBA' remains unclear - contempt the show's caller epoch connected ESPN and ABC.

The Lakers fable is part of the hugely fashionable broadcast crew, alongside presenter Ernie Johnson Jr and analysts Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley.

The future of the amusement and its pundits was plunged into uncertainty aft it was confirmed that TNT would halt carrying NBA games astatine the end of the 2024-25 NBA season. 

On Monday, it was revealed that 'Inside the NBA' would present look connected ESPN and ABC from 2025-26, acknowledgment to a concern involving TNT Sports and the NBA.

O'Neal was announced arsenic portion of the unit but, according to reports, the 7ft 1in icon does not presently person a declaration to look connected the amusement adjacent season.

According to Sports Illustrated, O'Neal wants to stay connected 'Inside the NBA' but is 'frustrated' to spot property releases corroborate the aforesaid lineup adjacent though helium has not signed a caller woody with Warner Bros. Discovery. His existent woody reportedly expires connected July 1, 2025.

It's claimed that O'Neal could stay connected 'Inside the NBA' but besides motion a woody with rival companies specified as Amazon oregon NBC, the NBA’s caller partners from adjacent season.

'Inside the NBA', which has won astir 2 twelve Emmy Awards, volition reportedly beryllium broadcast connected ESPN and ABC astir large unrecorded events.

Those see ESPN's pregame, halftime and postgame sum of the NBA Finals connected ABC, arsenic good arsenic league finals and NBA playoffs.

'Inside the NBA is universally recognized arsenic 1 of the champion and astir culturally impactful shows successful sports,' ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro said successful a statement. 

'We person agelong admired the immensely talented squad and are thrilled to adhd their chemistry and cognition to our robust acceptable of NBA workplace offerings to super-serve NBA fans similar ne'er before. 

'The summation of Inside the NBA further solidifies ESPN arsenic the preeminent destination for sports fans.'