Expansion of 'Inside the NBA' Marks New Era
In a groundbreaking shift set to redefine sports broadcasting, "Inside the NBA" is poised to air on additional networks beginning with the 2025-26 season. This development follows a momentous new broadcasting agreement between the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN, which seeks to enrich the viewer experience by expanding the reach of one of basketball's most beloved shows.
Renowned for its dynamic blend of analysis, entertainment, and charisma, "Inside the NBA" will maintain its production under the trusted banner of TNT Sports in Atlanta, secured by an 11-year contract. Basketball enthusiasts can rejoice that the celebrated panel – Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson – will continue to take center stage at high-profile NBA events across a broader range of networks.
While the continuity of this Emmy Award-winning program is a victory for fans, the agreement between the NBA and its broadcasting partners also resolves a legal dispute with Warner Bros. Discovery. As newly consolidated stakeholders in the expanded broadcasting rights, Warner Bros. Discovery has procured the opportunity to broadcast a package of live games outside the United States, further enhancing international access to NBA content.
Supplementing this international reach, TNT Sports has secured a global license to create, produce, and distribute NBA content. This agreement uniquely positions them to enhance the league's footprint with innovative programming that will be available on the NBA's official website and app. The versatility and commitment displayed by TNT Sports under this new arrangement underscore its dedication to elevating the NBA viewing experience around the globe.
ESPN plays a pivotal role in this holistic broadcasting evolution as well. Under the new structure, ESPN will continue to produce "NBA Countdown," ensuring that its comprehensive and high-quality coverage remains an integral part of the basketball viewing landscape. As part of the broadcasting shuffle, ESPN exchanged exclusive rights for 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 basketball games each season with TNT Sports starting in 2025. This strategic tradeoff aligns with ESPN's ongoing dedication to diversifying its robust sports content portfolio.
Adam Silver, the NBA Commissioner, articulated the broader sentiment and positive outlook shared by many in the sports community: "The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning 'Inside the NBA' is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere." Indeed, this sentiment encapsulates the essence of the new agreement's impact on basketball's most passionate followers.
These collaborative strides by the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN, united in their commitment to diversifying access to basketball's most cherished segments, spotlight the evolving narrative of sports media. As the boundaries of traditional sports broadcasting continue to expand, the synergy of these cross-platform agreements signifies a promising leap forward, ensuring that fans—both domestic and international—remain at the heart of basketball's vibrant and ever-growing community.