Legendary NBA Analysts Transition from TNT to ESPN for New Season

New York, NY — Legendary basketball analysts Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal will make their much-anticipated debut on ESPN on October 22, 2025. This change comes after Turner Sports, which has aired NBA games for 36 years, announced it would no longer carry NBA broadcasts.

The programming shift marks a significant transition for ‘Inside the NBA,’ a show that has won 21 Emmy Awards and features the Hall of Fame cast. Starting in the 2025-26 season, the popular show is integrating into ESPN’s lineup, a decision reported on October 9, 2025.

While the excitement builds for the debut, many fans have expressed disappointment over the limited schedule, as ‘Inside the NBA’ is set to air only three times before Christmas. Previously, the show aired weekly on TNT, providing fans with a consistent viewing experience.

Ernie Johnson and his team will first appear at 6 p.m. EST on the season-opening date, then take a hiatus before resuming a bi-weekly schedule starting January 24, 2026, with 15 additional shows leading up to the end of the regular season.

ESPN president of content Burke Magnus assured fans that the essence of ‘Inside the NBA’ will remain intact. ‘Fans will get the show they love in a way that’s very similar to its previous format,’ Magnus said. ‘It’s still produced in Atlanta by the same team from Turner.’ The announcement of the postgame coverage for ESPN games has also helped assuage concerns, especially from Barkley, who previously doubted the show’s format under the new network.

In remarks made to The Athletic, Barkley expressed concerns over the new setup, questioning whether they would have time for in-depth discussions around games. However, Magnus confirmed that the postgame segments will be preserved, ensuring fans continue to enjoy the lively interactions that have characterized the show’s success.