Shaquille O'Neal Expects More 'Inside the NBA' on ESPN Next Season

Basketball legend believes popular pregame show will get expanded airtime after successful first year on new network.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:04am

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An abstract, energetic painting with vibrant neon brushstrokes and splashes of color, capturing the raw emotion and passion of basketball commentary.The bold, energetic visuals of 'Inside the NBA' will likely dominate ESPN's airwaves even more next season.Indianapolis Today

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal revealed that he expects ESPN to air the popular 'Inside the NBA' pregame show more frequently next season, after the program transitioned from TNT to the 'Worldwide Leader in Sports' network. O'Neal, who is part of the show's cast, told the Daily Mail that while the crew and format remain largely the same, the increased airtime will come during the playoffs when fans most want to hear the show's analysis.

Why it matters

The 'Inside the NBA' program has long been a beloved staple of basketball coverage, known for its insightful commentary and chemistry between the hosts. As the show enters its second season on ESPN, O'Neal's comments suggest the network sees value in expanding the program's airtime, especially during the high-stakes playoff stretch when fan interest peaks.

The details

O'Neal told the Daily Mail that while the 'Inside the NBA' crew and format have remained largely unchanged in the transition from TNT to ESPN, the network plans to air the show more frequently, particularly during the playoffs. 'Now is when the people need to hear us, and once playoffs start, you will definitely see us and we will definitely dominate the airwaves,' O'Neal said.

  • The interview with Shaquille O'Neal took place hours before the 2026 March Madness national championship game in Indianapolis on April 8, 2026.

The players

Shaquille O'Neal

A Basketball Hall of Famer and member of the 'Inside the NBA' broadcast team.

Charles Barkley

A fellow Basketball Hall of Famer and member of the 'Inside the NBA' broadcast team.

ESPN

The 'Worldwide Leader in Sports' network that now airs the 'Inside the NBA' pregame show after it previously aired on TNT.

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What they’re saying

“It's pretty much the same crew, same areas, just different networks. But you know, it's pretty much the same. Charles [Barkley] was complaining about us not being on, but I'd rather not be in during the regular season. Now is when the people need to hear us, and once playoffs start, you will definitely see us and we will definitely dominate the airwaves.”

— Shaquille O'Neal, Basketball Hall of Famer

The takeaway

Shaquille O'Neal's comments suggest ESPN recognizes the value of the 'Inside the NBA' program and plans to give it more prominent airtime, especially during the high-stakes playoff season when fan interest and viewership peaks. This could signal a strategic shift by the network to lean into the show's popularity and chemistry between the hosts.