Starting in the 2025-26 season, basketball fans can look forward to an expanded broadcast experience as the cult-favorite "Inside the NBA" hits additional networks. This development stems from a newly inked broadcasting agreement involving the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN. At the heart of this arrangement is the resolution of a legal dispute between the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery, marking a significant milestone in sports broadcasting.
TNT Sports, the powerhouse behind "Inside the NBA," will continue to produce the show independently from its Atlanta base under a new 11-year contract. This ensures that the charismatic quartet of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson, who have become synonymous with NBA commentary, will remain the faces of the show. Their engaging banter and insightful analysis are set to feature across high-profile NBA events on the newly partnered networks, much to the delight of basketball aficionados.
In a strategic exchange, ESPN gains exclusive rights to 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 basketball games each season from 2025, a significant addition to its sports programming lineup. Meanwhile, TNT Sports has been granted a global license to create, produce, and distribute NBA content, a move that will undoubtedly broaden the reach and influence of the NBA's appeal worldwide.
As part of this broadcasting shake-up, the NBA plans to incorporate TNT Sports-produced content into its official website and app, centralizing access and creating a seamless fan experience. Complementing this strategy, Warner Bros. Discovery has secured a package of live NBA games to be broadcast outside the United States, expanding the game's reach further into international markets.
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, remarked on the deal's significance, stating, "The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning 'Inside the NBA' is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere." This statement underscores the cultural and sporting value of the program, which has set a high standard in sports commentary.
In parallel, ESPN will carry on with producing "NBA Countdown," maintaining continuity and familiar faces for the viewers. This show's continued presence reinforces ESPN's dedication to delivering quality NBA coverage in line with their well-established brand.
Overall, this landmark agreement looks set to redefine how fans interact with one of the world's most beloved sports leagues, bringing "Inside the NBA" to new screens and maintaining its status as must-watch television for basketball lovers. As the curtain rises on this new chapter in 2025, one thing is clear: the NBA, alongside its broadcast partners, is committed to innovation and expanding the sport's reach across the globe.