For over three decades, “Inside the NBA on TNT” has been a cornerstone of basketball culture, delivering a unique blend of sharp analysis, unfiltered humor, and unparalleled chemistry among its hosts—Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. When news broke that TNT was losing its NBA broadcast rights after the 2024-25 season, fans mourned the potential end of an era. Social media erupted with sentiments of loss, with posts on X lamenting the demise of a show that had become as much a part of the NBA experience as the games themselves. Yet, in a dramatic turn of events, recent developments have ensured that “Inside the NBA” will live on, finding a new home while preserving its iconic essence. This article explores how the beloved show dodged cancellation and what lies ahead for its future.
The Threat of an End
The saga began in May 2024, when reports surfaced that TNT was out of the running for NBA media rights, signaling the end of “Inside the NBA” after the 2024-25 season. Charles Barkley, never one to mince words, expressed his frustration on The Dan Patrick Show, stating, “The people I work with screwed this up so badly.” Fans echoed his disappointment, with posts on X capturing the collective heartbreak.
@RGIII wrote, “Gonna miss Shaq, Chuck, Kenny, and Ernie together on TNT. The NBA wins with this deal, but the fans lose”. The Rich Eisen Show somberly noted, “It’s sadly official,
@NBAonTNT will be entering its final year next #NBA season—what will happen to ‘Inside the NBA’ and its award-winning team?”.
The loss of TNT’s NBA rights to competitors like ESPN, ABC, and Amazon Prime seemed to spell doom for the show. For fans, the prospect of losing “Inside the NBA” was more than just the end of a TV program—it was the loss of a cultural institution. The show’s unique blend of wit, camaraderie, and authenticity had made it a staple, with moments like Barkley’s feuds with cities, Shaq’s playful jabs, and Ernie’s steady hand becoming the stuff of legend. The thought of this crew disbanding was unthinkable.
A Lifeline Through Litigation
Hope emerged in November 2024, when reports surfaced that “Inside the NBA” would survive as part of a settlement in a lawsuit filed by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), TNT’s parent company, against the NBA. The legal battle stemmed from WBD’s claim that the NBA unfairly favored other bidders in the media rights negotiations. While the full details of the settlement remain private, the outcome was a game-changer: “Inside the NBA” would be licensed to ABC and ESPN, ensuring its continuation beyond the 2024-25 season. Crucially, the core team—Ernie, Charles, Shaq, and Kenny—would remain TNT employees, preserving the show’s production roots while broadcasting on a new platform.
This arrangement was a masterstroke, addressing both logistical and emotional concerns. Ernie Johnson had previously expressed loyalty to TNT, stating he would not leave the network, while Barkley had been adamant about not working for ESPN. The settlement cleverly sidestepped these issues, allowing the crew to stay with TNT while their show found a new audience on Disney’s networks. As
@Ballislife reported on X, “INSIDE THE NBA will live on and be licensed to ABC & ESPN as part of the WBD lawsuit settlement! The crew will remain TNT employees”.
What Makes “Inside the NBA” Irreplaceable
The survival of “Inside the NBA” is a testament to its unique place in sports media. Unlike other studio shows, it thrives on the unpredictable chemistry of its hosts. Ernie Johnson, the consummate professional, anchors the show with warmth and wit, seamlessly guiding discussions. Charles Barkley’s unfiltered takes—whether roasting players, cities, or even his co-hosts—bring an authenticity that resonates with fans. Shaquille O’Neal’s larger-than-life personality and playful banter, often at Kenny Smith’s expense, add levity, while Smith’s basketball acumen and willingness to spar keep the dynamic lively.
The show’s ability to balance humor with insight has made it a cultural touchstone. Memorable moments—like Barkley’s ongoing feud with San Antonio over its “big ol’ women” or Shaq’s viral reactions to absurd highlights—have become part of NBA lore. Beyond the laughs, the crew’s genuine respect for the game and its players shines through, making “Inside the NBA” a must-watch for casual fans and diehards alike.
A New Home, A New Era
As “Inside the NBA” prepares to transition to ABC and ESPN, questions remain about how the show will adapt. Will its irreverent tone remain intact under Disney’s more polished umbrella? Fans on X have expressed cautious optimism, with some noting that the show’s strength lies in its hosts, not its network. The addition of new voices, such as Draymond Green for select broadcasts, suggests the show may evolve while staying true to its roots. Green joined the crew for Games 1 and 2 of a New York-based broadcast in May 2025, adding a current player’s perspective to the mix.
The move to ABC and ESPN also opens new possibilities. With a broader platform, “Inside the NBA” could reach an even larger audience, potentially incorporating new segments or leveraging ESPN’s vast resources for enhanced production. However, the show’s success will hinge on preserving its authenticity—a quality that TNT’s laid-back environment fostered. As long as Ernie, Charles, Shaq, and Kenny remain at the helm, fans can likely expect the same unscripted magic.
The Fans’ Victory
The survival of “Inside the NBA” is a rare win for fans in an era when corporate decisions often prioritize profit over sentiment. The outcry on X—from fans, analysts, and even Barkley himself—underscored the show’s importance to basketball culture. Posts like
@JoePompliano’s, which shared Barkley’s statement on TNT’s loss of NBA rights, highlighted the emotional weight of the moment. The settlement not only saved a beloved show but also reaffirmed the power of fan advocacy and the enduring value of authentic storytelling in sports.
As “Inside the NBA” prepares for its next chapter, the basketball world can breathe a sigh of relief. The show that turned pregame and postgame analysis into an art form will continue to entertain, inform, and occasionally roast its way into fans’ hearts. Whether it’s Barkley’s bold predictions, Shaq’s infectious laughter, or Ernie’s steady hand, “Inside the NBA” remains a reminder that some things are too good to fade away. Here’s to the next dunk, debate, and chuckle—on a new network, but with the same soul.
