Turner Sports and ESPN Team Up to Keep “Inside the NBA” Alive, Bringing Beloved Show to ESPN and ABC

The relationship between Turner Sports and the NBA, which dates back to 1989, appeared to be on the verge of ending after this NBA season. Turner had lost a third of its media rights to competitors Peacock and Amazon Prime, driven by a scenario where the NBA couldn’t pass up Amazon’s extensive reach and substantial financial offer.

Turner Sports showed resistance in negotiations, a move critiqued by popular show member and NBA legend Charles Barkley, who expressed disappointment with Turner’s seemingly nonchalant attitude toward the renewal. *Inside the NBA*, a widely beloved show in the NBA media landscape and often cited as a favorite on linear television, has won 21 Sports Emmys. NBA fans dreaded the thought of this iconic group no longer appearing on their screens throughout the season, fearing a void in their basketball-watching experience.

However, over the weekend, Turner and ESPN announced a partnership to keep the show alive and elevate its presence by featuring it on ESPN and ABC for daily and weekly coverage. The show will also participate in high-profile NBA events, including the NBA Finals on ABC, Christmas games, Conference Finals, NBA Playoffs, and all ABC games after January 1, 2026.

The agreement also includes a sublicense for TNT Sports to broadcast 13 Big 12 football games and 15 men’s college basketball games next season, as well as airing two College Football Playoff games. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro shared his excitement about bringing the show to ESPN in a statement.

*”Inside the NBA is universally recognized as one of the best and most culturally impactful shows in sports,”* Pitaro said. *”We have long admired the immensely talented team and are thrilled to add their chemistry and knowledge to our robust NBA studio offerings, super-serving NBA fans like never before. The addition of *Inside the NBA* further solidifies ESPN as the preeminent destination for sports fans.”*

Pitaro’s remarks reflect ESPN’s intention to revamp its image and strengthen its authenticity, which some critics feel has been compromised over the past decade. With new competitors like Amazon and returning rivals like NBC, *NBA Countdown* struggled to engage fans. This strategic move ensures that NBA fans will turn to ESPN whenever this dynamic group is on air.

For Turner and Disney, this partnership is a critical step in maintaining their prominence in sports broadcasting. TNT Sports CEO Luis Silberwasser echoed the sentiment, expressing his excitement about continuing the legacy of the show.

*”At TNT Sports, we take pride in our *Inside the NBA* show, and its success reflects not only the iconic talent on set but also the incredible behind-the-scenes team demonstrating creativity and craftsmanship,”* Silberwasser said. *”We are thrilled to continue producing *Inside the NBA* for ESPN and ABC, allowing fans to enjoy the magic of this show throughout the NBA season.”*

This deal also grants TNT Sports, Bleacher Report, and House of Highlights a global license for NBA content for the next 11 years without a rights fee—an enticing incentive. For NBA fans, the agreement ensures that their favorite show remains a staple of basketball coverage, bringing joy and familiarity to the viewing experience.