Inside the NBA’ to Move to ESPN in 2025 Under Unique Licensing Deal

In a significant development for NBA fans, it has been announced that the popular show ‘Inside the NBA’ will continue beyond the current season, despite TNT Sports losing the rights to NBA broadcasts. When the NBA opted for a three-network deal with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon this summer, the future of ‘Inside the NBA’ was uncertain. However, a new licensing deal between Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery has secured the show’s continuation.

Under this unique arrangement, TNT Sports will continue to produce ‘Inside the NBA’, but the show will air on ESPN starting from the 2025 season. This deal ensures that the show’s iconic cast, including Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, will remain intact and continue to provide their insightful commentary and analysis throughout the NBA season.

The agreement is part of a broader settlement between the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery, which also includes WBD continuing to operate NBA TV and the league’s digital platforms. Additionally, Bleacher Report and House of Highlights will maintain their rights to NBA video content. This setup is viewed as a “best case scenario” by sources within TNT Sports, given the loss of NBA game broadcasts.

It is expected that ‘Inside the NBA’ will move from its current Thursday slot to Wednesday nights on ESPN, aligning with ESPN’s biggest night of games. The transition is anticipated to be seamless, with the show retaining its current format and talent both in front of and behind the camera. This move is seen as a positive development for fans, as it ensures the continuation of one of the most beloved and respected NBA analysis shows without any significant changes.