Overview

• Shaquille O’Neal said the cast will tape a separate “special show” once or twice a week, signaling activity beyond ESPN’s limited openings.
• ESPN’s licensing plan places Inside the NBA on opening night, around ABC game windows including Christmas, and during the playoffs.
• TNT remains the employer and producer for Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and O’Neal, with production based in Atlanta for ESPN telecasts.
• Charles Barkley previously slammed a taped pilot for a TNT-format show and questioned concepts that would lack NBA highlights or go head-to-head with live games.
• Awful Announcing reports ESPN will outline logistics to the crew on Sept. 24, after earlier reports indicated a provisional 30-minute postgame slot subject to change.