In a notable shift set to begin in the 2025-26 season, basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat as "Inside the NBA" expands its reach across more networks. This new broadcasting agreement, jointly announced by the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN, marks a significant evolution in the way NBA fans can enjoy the game.
An Expanded Broadcast Agreement
The agreement not only brings "Inside the NBA" to additional networks but also resolves a legal dispute between the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery. This reconciliation paves the way for the continuation and expansion of one of basketball’s most beloved shows, produced by TNT Sports in Atlanta under an impressive 11-year contract. Executives have expressed that this arrangement is not just beneficial but a "huge win for basketball fans everywhere," as noted by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
The iconic quartet—Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson—will maintain their engaging presence in high-profile NBA events across these networks, ensuring that the program’s signature chemistry and insight continue to captivate viewers.
Strategic Exchanges and Global Expansion
Another significant element of the agreement involves a strategic exchange between ESPN and TNT Sports. ESPN will transfer exclusive rights to 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 basketball games each season to TNT Sports starting in 2025. In return, TNT Sports obtains a global license to create, produce, and distribute NBA content, enriching its programming repertoire and extending its international influence.
Complementing this is Warner Bros. Discovery’s acquisition of a package of live games to be broadcast outside the United States. This move underscores the NBA’s ongoing commitment to growing its brand and accessibility internationally.
Continued Production and Content Integration
Amid these changes, ESPN maintains its role in producing "NBA Countdown," preserving its long-standing contribution to NBA coverage under the new broadcasting structure. Meanwhile, the NBA has plans to feature TNT Sports-produced content on its official website and app, further bridging the gap between traditional broadcast and digital consumption.
This comprehensive agreement not only enhances the accessibility and scope of NBA content but also fortifies the league's media partnerships. By resolving past disputes and strategically broadening content distribution, the NBA is poised to offer its fans an enriched, more diverse viewing experience.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, fans can anticipate dynamic coverage that reflects the passion and expertise of both TNT Sports and ESPN. The future indeed looks bright for "Inside the NBA" and the global basketball community.