Image Credit - Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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“We Not Coming to F—Around”: Shaquille O’Neal Declares War With ESPN After TNT Exit

Akash Vaishnav

Last updated: June 2, 2025

2 min read

With ESPN taking over the NBA’s rights, TNT signs off; Shaq sends fiery message

Image Credit - Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The ‘Inside the NBA’ show on the TNT Network has come to an end marking the end of an era in basketball coverage. The Eastern Conference Finals’ game 6 between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks turned out to be the last day for the legendary show.

This is because the NBA Finals broadcasting rights are with the ESPN. Moreover, the media rights deal which was also won by the ESPN network kicks in from the next season marking an end to the TNT media deal.

‘Inside the NBA’ show’s co-host Shaquille O’Neal signed off in style on Saturday dropping some strong language against the ESPN network. He didn’t hold back while talking about the future of the show and what he feels about it. Shaq also used some NSFW words in his warning to the ESPN.

A couple years ago, Ernie, Shaq, Kenny and Chuck laughed about what it would be like to work for ESPN 😂

The next time we see all of them together again that’ll be the reality. End of a legendary era at TNT. pic.twitter.com/869Ft0KIKE
— The Degenerates (@degen_betting) June 1, 2025

The NBA legend said, “To that new network we coming to, we not coming to F around. And since this is the last show, I’m gonna say it: We not coming to f— around. We kicking a–. We taking names. And we taking over.”

‘Inside the NBA’ Enters New Phase

Shaquille O’Neal and his crew may be done with TNT’s legendary run, but ‘Inside the NBA’ isn’t dead just yet. With the broadcasting rights moving to the ESPN network, the show is also set to move there from the next season. However, not everything will remain the same.

Changes are expected with the new media rights deal kicking in. ‘Inside the NBA’ show is also expected to go through some shifts. It remains to be seen how far ESPN’s editorial board and management will go with changes.

Meanwhile, Charles Barkley, in his TNT farewell, struck a different tone from Shaq. He said, “To ESPN, it’s going to be an honor and a privilege to work for you guys, you are the No. 1 sports network in history. And I’m excited for it; you’ve got some tremendous talents over there, and I’m looking forward to co-working with those guys.”

There remains skepticism as to how ESPN will proceed with the legendary show ahead. Many don’t have full faith in the network. Sportswriter Bill Simmons has already expressed concern about ESPN taking over ‘Inside the NBA’. He suggested that “ESPN’s gonna f**k the showup.”

Shaquille O’Neal

Akash Vaishnav

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I cover NBA at the Playoffs. I specialize in covering breaking news, Previews, in in-depth analysis (breaking down numbers, complex stats, nuances of the game, and converting them into reader-friendly content). Furthermore, I got into the sports media while looking for an entry into the media industry. I love International Relations, and since entry without majoring in the subject was difficult, I got into sports. Now, while majoring in International Relations on one side, I also like covering sports as part of the journey as a young Journalist.