In a surprising turn of events, the beloved studio show Inside the NBA will be making a leap from its long-time home on TNT Sports to ESPN and ABC starting next season. The move comes as part of a settlement between Warner Bros Discovery, TNT’s parent company, and the NBA over a lawsuit regarding the league’s new 11-year media rights deal set to begin in the 2025-26 season.
According to inside sources close to the matter, Warner Bros Discovery had sued the NBA in New York state court after the league declined to accept the company’s matching offer for one of the packages in the new media rights agreement. The settlement, expected to be officially announced on Monday, resolves this legal dispute and paves the way for Inside the NBA to find a new home on ESPN and ABC.
The Future of Inside the NBA
Fans of the show can breathe a sigh of relief, as the settlement ensures that Inside the NBA will continue to be produced by TNT Sports, despite the change in networks. The show will still primarily air from its studio in Atlanta, with occasional on-the-road episodes.
More importantly, the iconic quartet of Ernie Johnson Jr, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal will remain the faces of Inside the NBA. This news comes as a particular relief for fans, as there had been speculation about the show’s future following Barkley’s contract extension with Warner Bros Discovery in August, despite the company losing the NBA broadcast rights.
When and Where to Watch
Under the new arrangement, Inside the NBA is expected to air during key moments throughout the NBA season, including:
- Opening Night
- Christmas Day
- NBA Playoffs
- NBA Finals
Additionally, the show is likely to have a regular slot on Saturday nights during the second half of the season, coinciding with ABC’s prime-time package of NBA games.
A Win-Win Settlement
The settlement between Warner Bros Discovery and the NBA appears to be a win-win for both parties. As part of the agreement:
- TNT Sports, Bleacher Report, and House of Highlights gain a global content license for NBA content with no rights fee for the next 11 years.
- Warner Bros Discovery will continue its partnership with the league’s digital operations, including NBA.com, for five seasons.
Though TNT Sports will no longer air NBA games in the United States after the current season concludes, the network has secured rights to air a full package of games in select international markets, such as Latin America and Poland.
Expanding Sports Coverage
The loss of the NBA rights hasn’t deterred TNT Sports from expanding its sports coverage. The network recently acquired the rights to Big 12 football and men’s basketball games, set to begin airing next season through a sublicense agreement with ESPN. TNT will also air two College Football Playoff games starting this season, again via a sublicense with ESPN.
Furthermore, earlier this year, Warner Bros Discovery secured the broadcast rights to the prestigious French Open tennis tournament and Big East basketball, demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing a diverse range of sports content to its viewers.
End of an Era
The move of Inside the NBA to ESPN and ABC marks the end of an era for Turner Sports, which has held NBA broadcast rights since 1984. TNT began airing NBA games in 1988, the same year the network launched, establishing a 37-year partnership that will conclude after the current season.
As fans prepare for this significant change, they can take comfort in knowing that the heart and soul of Inside the NBA—its incomparable cast and their unmatched chemistry—will remain intact. The show’s unique blend of basketball analysis, humor, and camaraderie has made it a staple for NBA fans, and that is set to continue, albeit on a new network.
With Inside the NBA’s future secured and Warner Bros Discovery’s commitment to providing a wide array of sports content, viewers can look forward to a new era of sports broadcasting that combines familiar faces with fresh opportunities.
