In a significant shift that promises to reshape basketball broadcasting, "Inside the NBA," the beloved and multi-award-winning studio show, will be part of a new broadcasting arrangement commencing with the 2025-26 season. This development is the centerpiece of a collaboration between the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN, expanding the show's reach across additional networks. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver celebrated the agreement, stating, "The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning 'Inside the NBA' is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere."
Elevating "Inside the NBA"
The enduring appeal of "Inside the NBA" can be attributed to its charismatic on-air team: Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson. This quartet has captivated audiences with their blend of sharp analysis and entertaining banter, securing their place as a staple in NBA media coverage. Under the new agreement, they will continue to feature in high-profile NBA events, delivering their trademark insights to an expanded audience.
Maintaining its editorial independence, "Inside the NBA" will be produced by TNT Sports from its Atlanta studio under an extensive 11-year contract. This arrangement ensures the preservation of the show's unique voice and cultural influence as it broadens its viewing base.
Resolving Past Disputes
Central to securing this groundbreaking agreement was the NBA's resolution of its legal dispute with Warner Bros. Discovery. This resolution was an integral component of the new broadcasting structure, enabling all parties to move forward collaboratively. Warner Bros. Discovery gains a valuable package of live games for audiences beyond United States borders, emphasizing the international reach and appeal of NBA basketball.
A New Era of Collaboration
The agreement also introduces a notable exchange between TNT Sports and ESPN, where exclusive rights to 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 basketball games per season will transfer to TNT Sports starting in 2025. This exchange marks a strategic alignment between major sports broadcasters, setting the stage for increased content diversity and distribution opportunities.
Furthermore, TNT Sports has secured a global license that enables the creation, production, and worldwide distribution of NBA content. This allows TNT Sports to innovate and broaden its storytelling capabilities, further integrating its production talents with the NBA's content ecosystem.
Enhanced Content Distribution
To leverage these new capabilities, the NBA plans to adopt TNT Sports-produced content on its official website and app, thereby providing fans more ways to engage with the game through varied digital platforms. This move complements ESPN's continuation of producing "NBA Countdown," ensuring fans benefit from an array of expert-driven basketball content from established industry leaders.
The strategic expansion of "Inside the NBA" and the broader broadcasting agreements between NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN underscore a progressive approach to sports media partnerships. The collaborative framework sets a new standard for how basketball coverage can evolve, engaging fans on a heightened scale and through diverse channels.