In a significant shift for basketball broadcasting, the enduringly popular "Inside the NBA" is set to reach an even wider audience. Beginning with the 2025-26 season, the show will broadcast on additional networks, marking a new chapter for the beloved post-game show renowned for its candid commentary and humorous antics.
The announcement accompanies a newly forged broadcasting agreement between the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN, illustrating a strategic alignment designed to expand the reach and impact of NBA coverage. Notably, this agreement has also led to the resolution of a legal dispute between the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery, clearing the way for a fresh era of collaboration.
Under this 11-year contract, TNT Sports will persist in delivering "Inside the NBA" independently, maintaining its production headquarters in Atlanta. This move reinforces TNT Sports’ pivotal role in basketball broadcasting and allows fans to continue enjoying the show's unique blend of analysis and entertainment. The charismatic ensemble of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson is set to remain at the forefront of high-profile NBA events across the newly designated network lineup.
Expanded Broadcasting and Content Creation
The agreement doesn't stop at merely maintaining the show's current caliber. ESPN, as part of the exchange, will transfer exclusive rights to 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 basketball games annually to TNT Sports starting in 2025. This exchange illustrates a reciprocal benefit that enhances both entities' sports offerings significantly.
Further broadening its influence, TNT Sports will gain a global license to create, produce, and distribute NBA content. This initiative is designed to elevate the global brand of both the NBA and TNT Sports, ensuring that content reaches basketball enthusiasts worldwide. Accordingly, the NBA plans to showcase these TNT Sports-produced pieces across its official website and app, enhancing visibility and accessibility for global fans.
Warner Bros. Discovery's involvement secures them a coveted package of live games to broadcast outside the United States, expanding the global footprint of its sports coverage. Meanwhile, ESPN will maintain its production of the popular "NBA Countdown," ensuring continuity for fans who appreciate the pregame insights and analyses it offers.
A Note from Leadership
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, highlighting its benefits for fans and the sport. "The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning 'Inside the NBA' is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere," Silver noted. His statement underscores the show's integral role in basketball culture and its capacity to engage viewers beyond traditional game analysis.
This reenergized broadcast structure not only preserves the integrity and appeal of "Inside the NBA" but also positions it strategically within a rapidly evolving digital and global marketplace. By expanding its broadcast reach and creating new avenues for content distribution, the NBA and its partners are poised to engage with a broader audience eager for basketball insights delivered in the show’s uniquely entertaining format.
In a landscape where competitive sports coverage is continuously evolving, maintaining and expanding the reach of a flagship program like "Inside the NBA" exemplifies a nuanced understanding of audience demand and network collaboration. As the 2025-26 season approaches, fans can anticipate enhanced viewing experiences across multiple networks, fostering a deeper connection with the game they love and the personalities who champion it.