As part of the NBA’s new media rights deal, TNT’s “Inside the NBA” is set to transition to ESPN next season after being licensed to the network. Amid concerns about the iconic studio show potentially being forced to conform to its new broadcasting partner, Front Office Sports outlined what basketball fans can expect moving forward.
“Inside the NBA’s” beloved co-host quartet of Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson Jr.’s 2025 playoff coverage concluded with Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. The Saturday episode, which followed the Indiana Pacers securing their first NBA Finals berth since 2000, ended the hit show’s 35-season run on TNT.
Following the crew’s emotional farewell, many, including The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, began speculating about “Inside the NBA’s” future, expressing pessimism about ESPN’s possible creative influence. However, it appears changes won’t be nearly as drastic as feared.
ESPN Not Expected To Tinker With ‘Inside the NBA’
Per Front Office Sports’ Monday report, contrary to popular belief, ESPN has no intention of interfering with “Inside the NBA’s” authentic, unfiltered style, which endeared it to fans.
“The final episode of ‘Inside the NBA’ barely finished airing on TNT Sports before doomsayers like Bill Simmons were predicting ESPN will ruin the show. But I’m hearing from sources that ESPN has zero plans to change the iconic show’s DNA,” wrote Front Office Sports’ Michael McCarthy.
“… TNT will retain full editorial control. So, expect to see the same funny, bombastic, basketball show that’s earned 21 Sports Emmy Awards during its historic run.”
As part of its “hands-off approach,” ESPN will reportedly retain “Inside the NBA’s” typical postgame show format, contrasting the network’s traditional NBA coverage style.
“There will be an extensive postgame show, say sources. ESPN’s goal is to let the postgame segment run as long as it does now on TNT,” McCarthy wrote.
Exclusive: ‘Inside the NBA’ will lead ESPN’s NBA pregame and halftime programming, and there will be an extensive postgame show, sources tell FOS.
Sources tell @MMcCarthyREV that ESPN has no plans to change the show’s DNA.
Inside the ‘Inside the NBA’ transition to ESPN ⬇️
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 2, 2025
Moreover, the crew and set are anticipated to continue operating as usual, apart from the addition of ESPN’s branding.
“The cast is expected to stay together. With O’Neal signing a long-term extension paying him more than $15 million a year, the Beatles of Basketball TV are all under contract,” McCarthy wrote. “… The show will continue to be produced in the same Atlanta studio with the same behind-the-scenes crew. The only difference is that the set will bear ESPN branding rather than the TNT logo.”
‘Inside the NBA’ Set To Be Focal Point of ESPN’s NBA Coverage
As for “Inside the NBA’s” new schedule, it will reportedly occupy ESPN’s primetime NBA coverage slots throughout the 2025-26 season, 2026 playoffs, and beyond.
“Inside the NBA will lead ESPN’s pregame and halftime programming. The show will air live during ABC/ESPN’s biggest events, including the NBA Finals, conference finals, and NBA playoffs,” McCarthy wrote. “They’ll also be featured on opening week, Christmas Day, all ABC games after Jan. 1, and the final week of the season.”
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As such, ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” show “will be strictly second-string” on the network. With “Inside the NBA” maintaining its format at peak time slots, it appears fans can rest assured that the cherished program will seamlessly transition to its new home.
