ESPN has confirmed that it will take over the broadcast rights for Inside the NBA when the NBA’s new 11-year media rights deal begins with the 2025-26 season. This announcement puts to rest months of speculation surrounding the future of the beloved basketball show, which has become iconic for its unique mix of insightful basketball analysis, sharp-witted pop culture commentary, and lighthearted banter among its hosts. The show, which has been a staple of TNT’s coverage since its debut in 1989, will no longer be airing on the network after its long run, as ESPN and ABC will now handle the broadcast distribution.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
However, TNT Sports will continue to play a key role in the show’s production, meaning that while the network loses its rights to air NBA games, it will still oversee the creation of the program. This allows the familiar and popular on-air team of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith to remain a central part of the broadcast, despite the change in where fans will watch the show. The move also comes as part of the NBA’s broader shift toward modernizing its media strategy, with the league placing an increasing emphasis on digital and streaming platforms, such as Amazon, in its next phase of broadcasting.
The possibility that the NBA will honor its deal with Amazon, which is reportedly set to become a major streaming partner, adds an additional layer of uncertainty to the landscape. If Amazon becomes the dominant platform for NBA broadcasts, it could mark the end of an era for TNT’s NBA coverage, potentially signaling the last season of Inside the NBA on the network. This looming possibility has sparked concern among fans, who have expressed disappointment over the prospect of losing one of the most iconic and entertaining teams in sports broadcasting history.
Photo Cred: Mickey Blog
As media giants like ESPN, Amazon, and others battle for dominance in securing NBA broadcasting rights, the ramifications for both the sport and its long-time fans are significant. For Inside the NBA fans, the idea of saying goodbye to the dynamic chemistry between Barkley, O’Neal, Smith, and Johnson is especially bittersweet. Their humorous, insightful, and often irreverent commentary has become a signature feature of the show and a major part of what has made it so beloved for decades.
While the future of Inside the NBA on TNT remains uncertain, especially as the NBA negotiates its evolving media deals, one thing is clear: the show has had an undeniable impact on basketball broadcasting and culture, and it will remain a significant part of the conversation in the years to come. Whether Inside the NBA finds a new home on ESPN or potentially elsewhere, it’s hard to imagine the program without its charismatic and dynamic crew. With so many changes on the horizon, fans are left reflecting on the legacy of the show and its future in the ever-changing world of sports media.
