Wed Oct 22 22:00:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

The NBA is entering a new era of broadcasting in the 2025-26 season with new media rights deals in place. While TNT is out and Amazon and NBC are in, ESPN/ABC is bringing back a familiar face: the “Inside the NBA” crew of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson. The show will air on ESPN and ABC for 20 days during the regular season, plus playoff coverage, offering pregame, halftime, and postgame analysis. The show will continue to be produced by TNT in Atlanta.

News Article:

“Inside the NBA” Returns to ESPN/ABC Amidst New NBA Media Landscape

NEW YORK, NY – As the NBA prepares for the tip-off of the 2025-26 season, a significant shift in broadcasting is underway with new media rights deals totaling $76 billion taking effect. Amidst the changes, ESPN/ABC are bringing back a beloved staple: “Inside the NBA,” featuring the iconic quartet of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson.

Following months of speculation, the network has confirmed that “Inside the NBA” will air on ESPN and ABC for 20 days during the regular season, providing pregame, halftime, and postgame analysis for high-profile games. The return kicks off with ESPN’s opening-night doubleheader on Wednesday, October 22, featuring the New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers and the San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks.

“We’re proud that ‘Inside the NBA’ – one of the most iconic and beloved shows in all of media – will play a leading role in our NBA coverage,” said ESPN president of content Burke Magnus in a statement. “Fans should expect the same great show they’re accustomed to watching as it becomes an essential part of the highest-profile events in the NBA, including the NBA Finals.”

While TNT loses its national NBA rights, the show will continue to be produced by TNT in Atlanta. This arrangement is the result of a sub-licensing deal between Disney, the parent company of ABC and ESPN, and Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT’s parent company, stemming from a settlement after Warner Bros. Discovery sued the NBA after its offer for one of the league’s new 11-year media rights deal was not accepted.

Fans can catch “Inside the NBA” on ESPN one hour before tipoff and immediately after the game ends. ABC pregame shows will begin 30 minutes prior to tipoff, with postgame shows following Saturday prime-time games on ABC and continuing on the ESPN app. The show will also feature as the pregame coverage for the NBA Sunday Showcase on ABC.

The schedule includes several appearances throughout the regular season and extensive coverage during the playoffs, including the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals. After March 14, there is a break in regular season programming due to Barkley, Smith, and Johnson’s involvement in Turner Sports’ March Madness coverage.

The return of “Inside the NBA” promises to bring familiar faces and insightful commentary to the new NBA broadcasting landscape, ensuring fans have a reliable source for analysis and entertainment.

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