Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal anticipates ESPN will broadcast the hit pre-game show Inside the NBA more often in its upcoming second season, responding to strong fan demand for additional episodes.

Shift to ESPN and Fan Feedback

O’Neal shared his insights ahead of the March Madness national championship in Indianapolis. The show, featuring the familiar lineup of O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, transitioned from TNT to ESPN this season. While it aired every Tuesday and Thursday during the NBA regular season on TNT, ESPN has broadcast it only 19 times so far, with one more airing scheduled for Sunday.

“It’s pretty much the same crew, same areas, just different networks,” O’Neal stated. “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.”

Fans have voiced frustration over the limited schedule, prompting expectations of changes. “The feedback is they don’t get to see us a lot,” O’Neal added. “So I’m sure it was because it was new to everybody. So I’m sure ESPN is gonna make some adjustments, and, you know, we’ll definitely be on more next year. But through playoffs, I think the playoffs start in a couple weeks, you will definitely see us.”

Indianapolis Appearances and Promotions

In Indianapolis for the Final Four, O’Neal promoted his new candy collaboration with Hershey, Shaq-A-Licious Slams. He also hosted an episode of his podcast, The Big Podcast, on Monday.

Adding to the family excitement, O’Neal’s son Shaqir, a senior from Sacramento State, claimed victory in the State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships at Hinkle Fieldhouse with impressive acrobatic dunks.

“I’m proud of him,” O’Neal said. “I always trust my kids when people pay to see them run the show. I know he made every dunk. And I don’t know why the other kids were missing four or five dunks, but you know, you can’t expect to win a contest and get fans by missing four or five dunks. So I was impressed with the dunks he picked. You know, he made them.”

Launching the DUNKMAN League

O’Neal announced a groundbreaking venture: the DUNKMAN league, a professional competition dedicated solely to dunking. The league features 24 athletes in a round-robin format, culminating in a world championship and a $500,000 grand prize.

“These athletes are innovators and DUNKMAN is going to give them a global stage, real stakes, and a chance to build careers doing what they love,” O’Neal, the league’s founder and first commissioner, declared. “We are transforming dunking from a one-night contest to the fastest growing professional sport off two feet.”