For over 20 years, “Inside the NBA” has been a cornerstone of NBA entertainment, delivering humor, analysis, and unforgettable moments to fans worldwide. However, with TNT’s NBA media rights set to expire after the 2024–2025 season, fans feared this beloved show would come to an end.
Now, there’s good news for basketball fans. According to Joe Flint of The Wall Street Journal, the iconic program isn’t going anywhere. TNT will license “Inside the NBA” to ESPN, ensuring the show will continue entertaining fans even if TNT no longer broadcasts NBA games.
Flint detailed the implications of this groundbreaking agreement. According to his report not only will “Inside the NBA” continue, but Warner Bros. Discovery could also expand its NBA programming on a global scale.
“The accord gives Warner Bros. Discovery the ability to develop new shows with NBA content in the U.S. and abroad and international NBA rights in parts of Northern Europe and Latin America, excluding Mexico and Brazil,” Flint wrote.
How Did “Inside The NBA” Become an Iconic Part of TNT’s NBA Coverage?
“Inside The NBA” has been a staple for basketball fans since its debut in 1990, airing during halftime and postgame on TNT’s NBA broadcasts. It premiered the same year TNT began airing NBA games. Over the years, it has won an impressive 21 Sports Emmy Awards.
In its first season, “Inside The NBA” had no permanent hosts. That changed when Ernie Johnson became the show’s first full-time host in 1990. Kenny Smith joined him as an analyst in 1998. However, the show truly found its voice in 2000 when Charles Barkley joined the crew, bringing his humor and bold opinions.
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Shaquille O’Neal joined the team before the 2011-12 season, completing the lineup that fans know and love today. While these four have become synonymous with “Inside The NBA,” other notable analysts have also made appearances, including Magic Johnson, Reggie Miller, and Chris Webber, who each had short stints with the show.
