New Broadcasting Era for "Inside the NBA"
The landscape of NBA broadcasting is set to undergo a significant transformation starting in the 2025-26 season, thanks to a new broadcasting agreement involving the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN. As a result of this collaboration, the widely acclaimed show "Inside the NBA" will extend its reach to additional networks, a move that promises to deliver the beloved program to a broader audience.
This strategic agreement, which was unveiled recently, marks the resolution of a legal dispute between the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery, ensuring that the future of basketball broadcasting is bright and interconnected. "Inside the NBA," known for its engaging and, at times, irreverent commentary, will continue to be produced independently by TNT Sports from its Atlanta base under an extensive 11-year contract. This setup maintains the show's unique flavor, which has earned it a dedicated fanbase and several Emmy Awards.
At the heart of "Inside the NBA" are its charismatic hosts: Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson. This dynamic quartet is synonymous with high-profile NBA events, and their presence will again be a highlight as the show expands across networks. "The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning 'Inside the NBA' is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere," remarked NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, emphasizing the value of the show's sustained presence in the basketball community.
The agreement also fosters a new level of collaboration between ESPN and TNT Sports. As part of the deal, ESPN has exchanged exclusive rights to 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 basketball games annually with TNT Sports starting in 2025. This exchange is indicative of a broader strategy to enhance the breadth and accessibility of sports content for fans worldwide.
Furthermore, TNT Sports emerges from this agreement with a global license to create, produce, and distribute NBA content. This global reach not only positions TNT Sports as a leader in sports broadcasting but also benefits the NBA, which plans to showcase TNT Sports-produced content on its official website and app. This integration aims to enrich the viewing experience for NBA fans by providing meticulously curated content directly from one of its flagship networks.
Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery has secured a valuable package of live NBA games intended for broadcast outside the United States. This international dimension of the new agreement demonstrates the NBA’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and provides an exciting opportunity for fans around the world to engage with live NBA action.
Despite these extensive changes, ESPN remains an integral player in the new broadcasting structure, continuing its production of "NBA Countdown". This continuation ensures that viewers will still have access to the in-depth pregame analysis and insights that have become a hallmark of ESPN’s NBA coverage.
Overall, this comprehensive broadcasting agreement between the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN signifies a new era of cooperation aimed at enhancing the accessibility and quality of NBA coverage. With "Inside the NBA" at the forefront of these developments, fans can look forward to an enriched basketball experience, blending the best of analysis, entertainment, and live-action coverage on a global scale.