In a seismic shift for the world of sports broadcasting, ESPN has confirmed that the beloved Inside the NBA team will be joining their network for the 2025-26 NBA season. The much-adored quartet of Ernie Johnson Jr, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal will bring their unparalleled chemistry, basketball knowledge, and entertaining antics to ESPN and ABC as part of a settlement between Warner Bros Discovery and the NBA.
A New Era for Inside the NBA
The move comes after Warner Bros Discovery, the parent company of TNT Sports, sued the NBA for not accepting their matching offer for one of the packages in the league’s new 11-year media rights deal. Despite the legal battle, the settlement ensures that fans will still be able to enjoy the irreverent and insightful commentary of the Inside the NBA crew, albeit on a different network.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of Inside the NBA to the network’s lineup, stating:
“Inside the NBA is universally recognized as one of the best and most culturally impactful shows in sports. We have long-admired the immensely talented team and are thrilled to add their chemistry and knowledge to our robust set of NBA studio offerings to super-serve NBA fans like never before.”
– Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman
The Future of TNT Sports
While TNT Sports will no longer be airing NBA games in the United States beginning next season, they will continue to produce Inside the NBA for ESPN and ABC. The show will primarily broadcast from Atlanta, with occasional on-the-road episodes. Luis Silberwasser, CEO and Chairman of TNT Sports, expressed pride in the Inside the NBA team and excitement about the continued production of the show.
The settlement also grants TNT Sports, Bleacher Report, and House of Highlights a global content license for NBA content with no rights fee for the next 11 years. Additionally, Warner Bros Discovery will maintain its relationship with the league’s digital operations, including NBA.com, for five seasons.
Expanding Horizons for TNT Sports
Despite losing the NBA broadcast rights in the United States, TNT Sports has secured rights to air NBA games in select countries, including Latin America and Poland. The network is also venturing into new sports programming, such as Big 12 football and men’s basketball games, which they will begin showing next season as part of a sublicense with ESPN. TNT will also air two College Football Playoff games beginning this season under the same arrangement.
Furthermore, Warner Bros Discovery has acquired rights to the French Open tennis tournament and Big East basketball earlier this year, signaling a diversification of their sports content portfolio.
The End of an Era
The move of Inside the NBA to ESPN and ABC marks the end of an era for TNT Sports, which has had an NBA package since 1984. The network has been airing games since its launch in 1988, and the Inside the NBA crew has become synonymous with TNT’s NBA coverage. Fans have grown accustomed to the unfiltered and often hilarious banter between Ernie, Charles, Kenny, and Shaq, and many have expressed bittersweet feelings about the impending change.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
As news of the Inside the NBA crew’s move to ESPN spread, fans took to social media to express their thoughts and concerns. While many were relieved that the beloved team would remain together, others worried about how the change in network might impact the show’s signature style and charm.
One fan tweeted, “I’m glad Inside the NBA is sticking together, but it just won’t feel the same without them on TNT. I hope ESPN lets them keep their unique vibe.”
Another fan expressed optimism, saying, “I trust Ernie, Charles, Kenny, and Shaq to bring their magic to ESPN. They’re what makes Inside the NBA special, no matter what network they’re on.”
As the 2025-26 season approaches, fans will be eagerly awaiting to see how Inside the NBA adapts to its new home on ESPN and ABC. While change can be unsettling, the enduring chemistry and talent of the show’s core team promise to make the transition an exciting new chapter in the storied history of Inside the NBA.
