Key Highlights
- “Inside the NBA” will continue airing on ESPN starting in the 2025-26 season.
- The show’s crew includes Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith.
- ABC will also broadcast some “Inside the NBA” episodes during special events like Christmas Day games.
- “Inside the NBA” will air one hour before tipoff for ESPN broadcasts and 30 minutes prior for ABC broadcasts.
Transition to ESPN: A New Home for a Legendary Show
The long-standing tradition of “Inside the NBA,” one of the most recognizable pregame, halftime, and postgame shows in sports broadcasting, will continue on ESPN’s airwaves starting with the 2025-26 NBA season. This move comes as part of an extensive reshuffle in broadcast rights for the NBA, reflecting a strategic shift by both networks.
Continuity Amid Change
In spite of the change in network affiliation, “Inside the NBA” will maintain its core format and crew. The show’s iconic hosts—Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith—will continue their roles, ensuring that fans can expect the same blend of humor, basketball knowledge, and critical analysis that has made the show a staple for NBA enthusiasts over the years.
Broadcast Schedule and Network Details
The 2025-26 season will see “Inside the NBA” airing on both ESPN and ABC. On regular weekdays, the show will be part of ESPN’s coverage, with broadcasts scheduled one hour before tipoff for doubleheaders and Christmas Day games. For special events like “NBA Saturday Primetime” on ABC, the show will start 30 minutes prior to the game.
ABC will also broadcast some episodes, particularly during significant NBA events such as the NBA All-Star Game and other primetime specials. The postgame shows following these broadcasts will continue on the ESPN App, ensuring that viewers can catch all the highlights and analysis they need.
The Future of “Inside the NBA”
As “Inside the NBA” transitions to ESPN, it marks a significant milestone in the show’s history. Ernie Johnson, who has hosted the show since its inception in 1990, will continue his role, alongside Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. Their combined decades of experience in both playing and broadcasting make them uniquely positioned to provide insights and analysis that resonate with a wide audience.
With its continued presence on ESPN, “Inside the NBA” is set to maintain its status as a premier sports studio show. Fans can look forward to the same high-quality content they have come to expect, now broadcast from a new home that will undoubtedly attract even more viewers and engagement.