As the landscape of sports broadcasting continues to evolve, the NBA has announced a landmark broadcasting agreement set to take effect beginning in the 2025-26 season. With this new deal, the iconic program "Inside the NBA" will reach an even wider audience, gracing additional networks and offering basketball fans more access to its celebrated content.
This fresh iteration of broadcasting rights, unveiled by the NBA in conjunction with TNT Sports and ESPN, brings several significant changes that promise to reshape the viewing experience for avid basketball enthusiasts. Notably, the NBA resolved a longstanding legal dispute with Warner Bros. Discovery, clearing the path for this revamped broadcasting structure.
Under the terms of this agreement, "Inside the NBA" will maintain its independent production status through TNT Sports in Atlanta, bolstered by an 11-year contract. The show, famed for its charismatic lineup of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson, will continue to deliver insights and entertainment during high-profile NBA events across the expanding network landscape.
An Expanded Role for TNT Sports
TNT Sports stands to gain substantially from this agreement, securing a global license to create, produce, and distribute NBA content. This not only enhances their portfolio but allows for their productions to feature prominently on the NBA's official website and app, ultimately broadening the reach of its basketball coverage.
Moreover, ESPN and TNT Sports have collaboratively exchanged exclusive rights, with ESPN relinquishing its grip on 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 basketball games each season, beginning in 2025. This exchange broadens the scope for TNT Sports, presenting new opportunities for content development and sports coverage.
International Expansion of Broadcasts
The agreement also sees Warner Bros. Discovery securing a significant package of live games to be broadcast outside the United States, marking a pivotal step in the NBA's strategy to globalize its viewership and cater to international basketball fans.
In the reshuffled broadcasting structure, ESPN retains its role in producing "NBA Countdown," ensuring that its familiar pre-game show continues to entertain and inform viewers under this new agreement.
Voices of Endorsement
The importance of maintaining "Inside the NBA's" presence was underscored by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who noted, "The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning 'Inside the NBA' is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere." His statement encapsulates the widespread sentiment that this beloved program remains pivotal to the NBA's broadcasting prowess.
This innovative broadcasting deal signifies a new era for NBA coverage, enhancing accessibility and diversity across media platforms. As networks adapt and expand their offerings, fans can look forward to unprecedented content availability, driven by strategic rights exchanges and international broadcasts.