With Turner’s turn in the upfront spotlight, the company hit the stage by announcing a multi-year extension for the Inside the NBA studio team. The show will now see host Ernie Johnson and analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal locked in for the long haul. “We truly believe Inside the NBA is among the best studio shows of all time and a large part of its success is due to the unrivaled chemistry between Ernie, Charles, Kenny and Shaquille,” said Lenny Daniels, president of Turner Sports. “We’re looking forward to continuing the creativity and pioneering spirit behind the show for a very long time.”
In addition, Turner Sports also announced the launch of The Dunk King, described as a reality competition series set to premiere on TNT during the network’s exclusive coverage of the 2016 NBA Western Conference Finals. According to the company, “the definitive dunk competition show will feature top dunkers as they take center stage to showcase their best dunks in a contest for bragging rights and a cash prize of $100,000.” The final “Dunk Off” will take place live during TNT’s first-ever presentation of the NBA Awards Show, which is set to air after the completion of the 2016 NBA Playoffs.