ESPN Reveals Inside the NBA Schedule for 2025-26 Season

BRISTOL, Conn. — ESPN announced the Inside the NBA schedule for the 2025-26 season, marking the show’s return as the pregame, halftime, and postgame show for NBA games aired on ESPN and ABC. The popular show features host Ernie Johnson along with analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith.

The Inside the NBA segments will begin one hour before tip-off for ESPN games, with postgame discussions starting immediately after the final buzzer. Pregame shows on ABC will kick off 30 minutes before each game.

ESPN outlined the complete schedule, starting with the opening segment on October 22, 2025. The following day, October 23, will feature another hour-long pregame show. These segments will set the tone for the highly anticipated NBA season.

This season also marks the first time Inside the NBA will be the official pregame and postgame show for ABC’s coverage of the NBA Finals. Burke Magnus, ESPN’s President of Content, expressed pride in having such an iconic show play a vital role in their NBA broadcasting.

“Fans should expect the same great show they’re accustomed to,” Magnus said during a press conference. “Inside the NBA has established itself as one of the most beloved sports shows.”

Alongside continuing favorites, the show will be produced by TNT Sports, broadcasting from its Atlanta studios. The announcement comes as fans look forward to seeing familiar faces covering marquee events, including the Christmas Day games and NBA Playoffs.

The complete Inside the NBA schedule can be found on ESPN’s website. Fans can also access more NBA coverage through the ESPN App, which enhances their viewing experience with integrated stats and additional features.