In a landmark broadcasting agreement set to reshape the coverage of professional basketball, "Inside the NBA" will air on additional networks starting from the 2025-26 season. The announcement comes as part of a broader collaboration between the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN, which promises to expand access for basketball fans worldwide.
Bringing "Inside the NBA" to More Fans
For years, "Inside the NBA" has captivated audiences with its dynamic presentations and the engaging camaraderie of its hosts—Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson. Now, under an 11-year contract, this Emmy Award-winning show will continue to be independently produced by TNT Sports in Atlanta and broadcast across additional networks, extending its reach far beyond its original platform.
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, praised the extension of the show, saying, "The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning 'Inside the NBA' is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere." The continuity of the show's production and its expanded distribution underscore its pivotal role in NBA broadcasting.
Resolving Past Disputes and Innovations
This broadcasting overhaul also includes the resolution of a legal dispute between the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery. This settlement highlights a commitment to collaboration and innovation in the sports broadcasting arena, allowing Warner Bros. Discovery to secure a package of live games for broadcast outside the United States.
Additionally, TNT Sports gains a global license to create, produce, and distribute NBA content, further cementing its role as a powerhouse in sports media. The NBA plans to feature this TNT Sports-produced content on its official website and app, reaching audiences through its digital platforms and enriching the fan experience.
New Arrangements and Expansions
As part of the revamped arrangement, ESPN has agreed to exchange exclusive rights for 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 basketball games each season with TNT Sports starting in 2025. This strategic exchange allows both networks to broaden their sports offerings and cater to diverse fan interests. ESPN will continue to produce "NBA Countdown," maintaining its commitment to its valued basketball programming under the new structure.
While TNT Sports focuses on enhancing its NBA coverage, ESPN's commitment to delivering top-tier football and basketball broadcasts remains steadfast. This exchange highlights an important shift in network priorities, aiming to bring more extensive coverage to their respective sports enthusiasts.
As the agreement ushers in a new era of NBA broadcasting, fans can anticipate a richer, more varied viewing experience. With key players like Barkley, Smith, O'Neal, and Johnson at the helm, the beloved "Inside the NBA" will thrive on its traditional channel while capturing the imaginations of new viewers across the globe.
This bold move by the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN demonstrates their shared vision to push the boundaries of sports broadcasting, ensure a harmonious resolution of past disputes, and gear up for innovation, ultimately setting a new standard for how fans will experience the game in the years to come.