“Inside the NBA” is expected to become the face of ESPN’s top-tier basketball programming starting with the 2025-26 season, according to Front Office Sports.
The iconic TNT show will take over pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage for the NBA Finals, conference finals, and playoff games aired on ABC and ESPN.
This marks a major shift in basketball broadcasting, as ESPN will license the Emmy-winning program while keeping its core format and on-air talent intact.
Despite speculation about potential changes, sources close to the situation say ESPN has no plans to alter the show’s DNA or production style.
TNT Sports will retain full editorial control, meaning the broadcast will remain in its familiar Atlanta studio with the original production team.
Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson are all expected to remain with the show and continue under their TNT contracts.
O’Neal recently signed a long-term extension reportedly worth over $15 million per year, ensuring the core cast will stay in place for the foreseeable future.
The show will now be featured on opening week, Christmas Day, all ABC games following Jan. 1, and the final week of the regular season.
While ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” will remain on air, it will be relegated to secondary status behind “Inside the NBA” for major broadcasts.
Postgame coverage is also expected to mirror TNT’s current extended format, allowing for unscripted discussion and in-depth breakdowns.
“Inside the NBA” has earned 21 Sports Emmy Awards and built a loyal viewership through its blend of basketball insight and unscripted humor.
