Beginning with the 2025-26 season, basketball enthusiasts will enjoy expanded access to the iconic "Inside the NBA" show across additional networks, thanks to an innovative new broadcasting agreement. This historic deal, forged by the NBA in collaboration with TNT Sports and ESPN, signals a dynamic shift in the landscape of sports broadcasting.
Collaboration and Expansion
The agreement not only brings "Inside the NBA" to a broader audience but also marks the resolution of a legal dispute between the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery. In a move poised to delight fans globally, the new contract ensures that Shaquille O'Neal, Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith will continue to lead the show. Their chemistry and expertise have long been significant draws for viewers, and now they will anchor high-profile NBA events across a panoply of networks.
TNT Sports, maintaining its independence in production, will continue to film the program from its Atlanta base under an extensive 11-year deal. This continuity promises to preserve the essence of the Emmy Award-winning show that has captivated basketball fans for years. As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver notes, "The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning 'Inside the NBA' is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere."
Broadened Networks and New Rights
In addition to the airplay expansion, ESPN has reached an agreement with TNT Sports to exchange exclusive rights for 13 Big 12 football and 15 Big 12 basketball games each season, starting in 2025. This trade highlights the importance of diversified content in sports broadcasting and sets the stage for unique collaboration between these broadcasting powerhouses.
An exciting element of the deal is TNT Sports' acquisition of a global license to create, produce, and distribute NBA content. This license signifies not only a commitment to delivering high-quality basketball coverage but also an opportunity for innovative storytelling that resonates with a global audience. Furthermore, the NBA plans to feature TNT Sports-produced content on its official website and app, reinforcing the integration of traditional broadcasting with digital platforms.
Warner Bros. Discovery and New Ventures
Warner Bros. Discovery emerges as a crucial player in this agreement, securing a package of live NBA games to broadcast outside the United States. This strategic move enhances Warner Bros. Discovery's portfolio and expands the NBA's international footprint, ensuring that fans worldwide have access to premier live basketball events.
A Continuing Legacy
Meanwhile, under the new structure, ESPN will proceed with producing "NBA Countdown," further cementing its role in NBA coverage. The coexistence of "Inside the NBA" and "NBA Countdown" across networks provides fans with a rich tapestry of basketball programming that caters to varied preferences.
In summary, the new broadcasting agreement between the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN embodies a forward-thinking approach to sports media. By blending beloved traditions with fresh innovations, this deal broadens access to beloved content like "Inside the NBA" while offering exciting new rights and collaborative ventures for the participating networks. The outcome is a sweeping win not just for the stakeholders, but most importantly, for the fans who stand to gain from enhanced and expanded coverage of their favorite sport.