The landscape of NBA broadcasting is set to undergo significant changes with the announcement of a groundbreaking new agreement involving the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN. Starting from the 2025-26 season, the popular "Inside the NBA" show will be available on additional networks, expanding its reach to basketball fans worldwide. This pivotal decision marks a new era for the show, known for its dynamic and engaging commentary.
As part of this new broadcasting agreement, the NBA has resolved its legal dispute with Warner Bros. Discovery, paving the way for a collaborative future. Under an 11-year contract, TNT Sports will continue to independently produce "Inside the NBA" from its base in Atlanta. The show's charismatic lineup, featuring Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson, is set to bring its inimitable energy and insight to high-profile NBA events across multiple networks. In the words of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, "The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning 'Inside the NBA' is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere."
A notable feature of the agreement is ESPN's exchange of exclusive rights to 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 basketball games each season with TNT Sports, effective in 2025. This exchange bolsters TNT Sports' portfolio significantly and illustrates the mutually beneficial nature of the agreement between the networks. Moreover, TNT Sports will gain a global license, allowing it to create, produce, and distribute NBA content beyond its traditional borders.
This content will not only appear on the networks but is also set to be showcased on the NBA’s official website and app, ensuring fans have greater access to content than ever before. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery has secured a package of live games to be broadcast outside the United States, further emphasizing the international ambitions of the NBA.
ESPN, for its part, will continue to produce "NBA Countdown" under this new structure, retaining its role in providing pre-game analysis and commentary. This continuity ensures that viewers will still enjoy the familiar blend of entertainment and expertise that "NBA Countdown" has consistently delivered.
At a time when sports media is rapidly evolving, the new NBA-TNT-ESPN agreement is a testament to the dynamic nature of broadcasting rights and the importance of strategic partnerships. Fans of "Inside the NBA" can look forward to the show maintaining its unique blend of humor, insight, and analysis, delivered by a team that has become synonymous with basketball commentary.
These developments promise to bring more basketball action to viewers around the world, making the sport more accessible and interactive than ever. The new digital strategies and international broadcasting rights underscore the NBA's commitment to growing its global audience, ensuring that fans, regardless of location, can enjoy the thrill and excitement of professional basketball.