The NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery made a major announcement on Monday, revealing an 11-year agreement that includes the broadcasting rights for the iconic show “Inside the NBA” along with other league-related content. This long-term deal will change the way fans watch one of the most beloved studio shows in sports history.
Under the new agreement, TNT Sports will continue to produce “Inside the NBA,” but starting with the 2025-26 season, the show will exclusively air on ESPN and ABC platforms.
This partnership marks a significant shift, as “Inside the NBA” has been synonymous with TNT for decades, where it has become a cultural phenomenon thanks to its engaging hosts and unfiltered, entertaining analysis.
Now, the move to ESPN and ABC aims to reach an even broader audience, while retaining the production quality and unique flair that made the show famous.
In addition to the broadcast changes for “Inside the NBA,” the agreement grants TNT Sports, Bleacher Report, and House of Highlights global rights to NBA content and highlights.
This expansion means that fans across the world will have increased access to NBA highlights through these popular platforms, allowing them to stay connected with the league’s action no matter where they are.
Warner Bros. Discovery has also secured exclusive telecast rights for NBA games in several international markets, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Poland, and parts of Latin America, further strengthening the league’s global presence.
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Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav expressed his excitement about the new partnership, emphasizing the value it will bring not only to their portfolio but also to sports fans worldwide.
“Together, these agreements ensure fans will continue to enjoy TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ and create tremendous value for our entire portfolio as we accelerate the growth of TNT Sports, Bleacher Report, House of Highlights, and our global sports business,” Zaslav said. “We are pleased to partner with the NBA and Disney/ESPN, and to have solidified long-term rights and revenue for Warner Bros. Discovery.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also praised the extended partnership, highlighting the benefit for basketball fans who will continue to enjoy the legendary program for years to come. “Extending ‘Inside the NBA’s’ televised run is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere,” Silver said. “We look forward to building on our longstanding partnership with TNT Sports and working together to promote NBA content across key Warner Bros. Discovery and NBA platforms.”
“Inside the NBA” has been a cornerstone of NBA coverage since TNT first obtained the rights to NBA games back in 1989. Over the past three decades, the show has become a staple of basketball culture, providing memorable moments and insight into the game through the unique personalities of hosts like Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith.
The show’s chemistry and the hosts’ willingness to offer unfiltered takes on the league have set “Inside the NBA” apart as one of the most entertaining and authentic sports programs on television.
In addition to the Warner Bros. Discovery deal, the NBA also announced earlier in July that it had reached new media agreements with several other prominent platforms, including the Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video.
Under these deals, games will be split among the three broadcasters, expanding the availability of live NBA coverage across multiple channels and streaming services, giving fans more options than ever before to watch their favorite teams and players.
This new 11-year partnership between the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery, along with other media agreements, is expected to significantly enhance the reach and accessibility of NBA content around the world.
By collaborating with Disney/ESPN, TNT Sports, and other major platforms, the NBA is positioning itself to remain at the forefront of global sports entertainment. For basketball fans, this means not only continued access to high-quality game broadcasts but also a steady stream of engaging, entertaining content through beloved programs like “Inside the NBA.”
The move to bring “Inside the NBA” to ESPN and ABC is a bold one, but it reflects the league’s commitment to expanding its reach while maintaining the essence of what has made the show special.
As the partnership takes effect, viewers can expect the same level of humor, insight, and camaraderie that made the show a hit, now available on even more platforms to serve basketball fans wherever they may be.
With a historic deal in place and an expanded network of media partners, the future of NBA broadcasting looks brighter than ever.
