In a significant move that is set to reshape the broadcasting landscape of basketball coverage, the NBA has announced a new, expansive agreement with TNT Sports and ESPN, which will take effect starting from the 2025-26 season. This groundbreaking deal promises to bring the acclaimed "Inside the NBA" to a wider array of networks, much to the delight of basketball enthusiasts globally.
A critical element of this agreement involves the resolution of a legal dispute between the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery. As a part of this resolution, Warner Bros. Discovery has secured a package to broadcast live games outside the United States, a strategic expansion that offers its viewers a richer NBA experience.
Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
The agreement ensures that "Inside the NBA" will continue to captivate audiences with its unique blend of insightful analysis and entertainment. The show will remain independently produced by TNT Sports in Atlanta under an 11-year contract. "The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning 'Inside the NBA' is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere," said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. This statement resonates with the deep-seated admiration that fans have for the show, largely credited to its charismatic hosts—Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson—who will continue to grace high-profile NBA events across the networks.
A Symbiotic Exchange
In a notable exchange, ESPN has traded exclusive rights to 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 basketball games each season with TNT Sports, effective 2025. This swap not only diversifies the content offering but also aligns the interests of both networks more closely with their audience’s basketball appetites. Furthermore, ESPN will maintain its production of the popular "NBA Countdown," ensuring that fans will still enjoy their pre-game rituals under the familiar and expert guidance of ESPN’s preferred hosts and format.
With a global license now in hand, TNT Sports is poised to create, produce, and distribute an even richer array of NBA content. The NBA, recognizing the potential of this collaboration, plans to feature TNT Sports-produced content prominently on its official website and app. This maneuver positions TNT Sports as a pivotal player in the NBA content space, reinforcing its role in shaping the narrative of basketball entertainment.
Looking Beyond the Horizon
This enhanced collaboration between the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN unveils a promising vision for the future of basketball broadcasting. It extends the reach of premium content to new territories while fortifying fan engagement through multiple channels. Such strategic partnerships indicate a burgeoning era where the line between sports, media, and global access continue to blur, elevating the fan experience by making it more immediate and immersive.
As the NBA moves towards the 2025-26 season with these robust alliances in place, fans everywhere can look forward to more accessible, innovative, and engaging basketball content. The initiatives launched as part of this agreement promise to not only maintain but elevate the standards of how basketball is consumed across the world.