NBA Fans didn’t waste a second turning a historic TV partnership into one of the funniest nights online. After news broke that Popeyes is sponsoring Inside The NBA, social media erupted with memes, racial jokes, and even praise for how unexpectedly perfect the fit seemed — especially with Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley leading the show.
@SportsCenter shared a clip of Chuck’s emotional first night on ESPN, quoting him: “I was nervous today. … Every person that’s ever touched a ball wanted to be on ESPN.” While it was meant to be heartfelt, NBA Fans immediately latched onto the Popeyes branding that appeared behind the set.
“I was nervous today. … Every person that’s ever touched a ball wanted to be on ESPN.”
Chuck is excited to join the Worldwide Leader in Sports 🔥 pic.twitter.com/00baGH2nIz
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 22, 2025
@OsOthellO went viral with the post, “4 Black people sponsored by Popeyes,” sending fans into hysterics. @wesway94 added, “That’s damn good marketing lol,” which summed up the entire internet’s reaction — laughter mixed with a reluctant nod at the genius of the campaign.
To be fair, the humor works because it’s rooted in cultural familiarity. Popeyes has long been associated with southern flavor and loud personality, two things Inside The NBA has mastered over decades. The brand didn’t just sponsor a show; it sponsored a vibe — the chaotic, joke-filled family energy that only Shaq, Chuck, Kenny, and Ernie can deliver.
NBA Fans loved it, even as they joked their way through every new Popeyes logo on screen. It’s not every day a fried chicken chain becomes part of basketball’s most iconic broadcast, but this one just made perfect sense — and NBA Fans are eating it up, literally and online.
NBA Fans Love Kenny Smith’s Jab At Charles Barkley’s ESPN Debut
Charles Barkley’s move to ESPN was already the talk of the night, but leave it to Kenny Smith to steal a laugh. During Inside The NBA’s new segment, Kenny playfully jabbed at Chuck’s emotional speech about joining ESPN, saying,
“Do you want a napkin for all that kissing up you just did?” — and NBA Fans couldn’t stop laughing.
@TheHoopCentral shared the clip, which quickly went viral among NBA Fans. The banter reminded everyone that even on a new network, their chemistry remains unmatched. Smith’s timing was perfect — light enough to tease, sharp enough to make everyone on set break character.
@hoopsjunky54491 posted an old video captioned, “Charles Barkley roasting ESPN back in 2016,” showing just how full-circle the moment was. Meanwhile, @TheeStelly added, “I gotta give Chuck his 10’s on this & the fact that not one lie was told makes it even funnier.”
Charles Barkley roasting ESPN back in 2016 pic.twitter.com/dnF2VirLbd
— hoopsjunky (@hoopsjunky54491) October 22, 2025
It’s the same formula that’s kept NBA Fans loyal for decades: Barkley’s blunt honesty, Kenny’s witty balance, Shaq’s comic relief, and Ernie’s calm presence to keep them all in check. The Popeyes sponsorship may have caught everyone off guard, but the crew’s natural humor made it work without missing a beat.
This was more than a corporate rebrand — it was a reminder that no matter where the set moves or who signs the checks, the Inside The NBA crew still runs basketball television. NBA Fans can joke all they want, but they know this lineup is untouchable.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes
