Inside the NBA could continue to air on TNT beyond 2024-25, even if the network loses the rights to the league after the upcoming season. The beloved studio show was feared to be ending for good after the NBA agreed on a new media rights deal beginning with the 2025-26 season, which does not include TNT. The 11-year deal, worth $76 billion, retains the league’s partnership with ESPN, welcomes back NBC after last airing in 2002, and introduces Amazon as a new partner.
Inside the NBA Could Remain On Air After 2025 With Major Change
With the 2024-25 NBA season likely being TNT’s final year of broadcasting the league for the meantime, there have been speculations that it might also mark the end of Inside the NBA on television. Fans have pleaded to keep the show, with some even suggesting that the new NBA media partners buy out the show or hire the hosts.
TNT plans to keep the studio show on air, albeit in a different manner. The network is exploring a potential route particularly for co-host Charles Barkley to have a rebranded show tentatively titled “Inside Sports,” according to Amol Sharma and Joe Flint of The Wall Street Journal. This new format would have the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player talk about a wider range of other sports featured on TNT and its sister channels. These include the National Hockey League, college football, college basketball, NASCAR, Major League Baseball, and many more.
Inside the NBA has aired on TNT for more than three decades since 1989 after the network acquired the rights to air the league. Current main hosts include Barkley (since 2000), Shaquille O’Neal (since 2011), Ernie Johnson (since 1990), and Kenny Smith (since 1998).
The show has received acclaim for its humorous and entertaining format, while also boasting unmatched credibility with its hosts: three former NBA players, two of whom are Hall of Famers, and a well-respected veteran broadcaster. Inside the NBA has won a total of nineteen Sports Emmy Awards so far. They have also welcomed several guest analysts over the years. Among them are Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green during the recent playoffs, as well as other notable figures such as Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, and Candace Parker to name a few.
Charles Barkley Confirms Long-Term Agreement With TNT
On the other hand, TNT has reaffirmed its long-term agreement with Barkley on Tuesday, August 6. The 61-year-old previously stated during the 2024 NBA Finals that the 2024-25 season would be his last on television, following rumors of the new media deal that does not include TNT.
“I love my TNT Sports family. My #1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible. We have the most amazing people, and they are the best at what they do. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them both on the shows we currently have and new ones we develop together in the future. This is the only place for me.”
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer had signed a 10-year deal with TNT in 2022 worth over $100 million, with the total potentially approaching $200 million.
