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'Inside the NBA' will air on ESPN and ABC as part of settlement with NBA

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Henry Parker
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The beloved basketball studio show "Inside the NBA" will transition to ESPN and ABC starting next season as part of a significant settlement between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and the NBA. This agreement comes after WBD, which oversees TNT Sports, initiated legal action against the NBA following the league's decision to accept a lucrative broadcasting deal with other networks, leaving WBD without NBA game broadcasting rights for the upcoming seasons.

Background of the Settlement

In July 2024, WBD filed a lawsuit against the NBA after the league declined to accept its counteroffer for one of the segments in its new 11-year media rights agreement, which is set to commence with the 2025-26 season. The NBA's new deal, valued at approximately $76 billion, includes partnerships with Disney (ABC/ESPN), Amazon, and NBC, significantly reshaping the landscape of sports broadcasting.The lawsuit claimed that WBD had a contractual right to match any proposals presented to the league. However, when the NBA opted for Amazon's bid over WBD's offer, it triggered legal proceedings. The settlement reached between the two parties allows "Inside the NBA" to continue airing on new platforms while still being produced by TNT Sports.

Details of the New Arrangement

Transition to ESPN and ABC

Starting next season, "Inside the NBA" will be exclusively broadcast on ESPN and ABC. Despite this network change, the production will remain under TNT Sports, maintaining its Atlanta filming location for most episodes. The show's iconic hosts—Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal—will continue their roles, ensuring that fans will see familiar faces on their screens

Programming Schedule

The show is expected to feature prominently during key NBA events such as:

  • Opening Night

  • Christmas Day

  • NBA Playoffs

  • NBA Finals

Additionally, "Inside the NBA" is likely to air on Saturday evenings during the latter half of the season when ABC features a prime-time game package. This new schedule may differ from its current weekly programming format but aims to maximize viewership during high-profile games

Licensing and Content Rights

As part of this settlement, WBD has secured a global license for NBA content without incurring rights fees for the next 11 years. This arrangement allows TNT Sports and its digital platforms—Bleacher Report and House of Highlights—to create new content based on NBA highlights and other materials. Furthermore, WBD will continue its collaboration with NBA digital operations for an additional five seasons

Impact on Viewers and Fans

The transition of "Inside the NBA" from TNT to ESPN and ABC is seen as a positive development for fans who have cherished the show since its inception in 1989. The program has garnered numerous accolades, including 21 Sports Emmy Awards, and is known for its insightful analysis and entertaining banter among its hosts. The continuation of this program ensures that fans will still have access to quality basketball commentary and entertainment despite changes in broadcasting rights

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Reactions from Stakeholders

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating that maintaining "Inside the NBA" is a win for fans everywhere. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney in promoting NBA content across various platforms

. Charles Barkley also noted that while there might be some changes in how often the show airs compared to previous seasons, he remains committed to delivering quality programming

Conclusion

The settlement between Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA marks a significant shift in sports broadcasting dynamics. While "Inside the NBA" will no longer be aired on TNT after this season, its move to ESPN and ABC ensures that this iconic program remains a staple for basketball fans. With familiar faces continuing to lead discussions around pivotal moments in the NBA calendar, viewers can look forward to another exciting chapter in sports television history starting next season.

How will the transition to ESPN and ABC affect the show's format

The transition of "Inside the NBA" to ESPN and ABC will bring several changes to the show's format, although it will retain its core elements and familiar hosts. Here are the key aspects of how the format will be affected:

Frequency of Broadcast

Production and Location

Content and Programming

Host Dynamics

Conclusion

While "Inside the NBA" will maintain its essence with beloved hosts and high-quality production, the transition to ESPN and ABC will result in a more event-driven format with less frequent broadcasts. This strategic shift aims to align with major NBA events, enhancing viewer engagement during critical moments in the basketball season.