Key Highlights
- “Inside the NBA” returns to ESPN and ABC with its original cast of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson.
- The show will air on 20 days during the 2025-26 regular season, serving as a pregame, halftime, and postgame show for high-profile games.
- Season opener dates include October 22 with ESPN’s doubleheader featuring the New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks.
- The format will be expanded during playoff coverage, including the NBA Finals.
New Media Rights Deals Impact NBA Coverage on ESPN
The 2025-26 NBA season marks a significant shift in how fans can watch games and studio shows. With $76 billion of new media rights deals coming into effect, ESPN is set to broadcast more games than ever before across its platforms. This strategic move will bring back the beloved “Inside the NBA,” which had been absent from ESPN for several years.
ESPN’s president of content, Burke Magnus, expressed excitement about the show’s return: “We’re proud that ‘Inside the NBA’ – one of the most iconic and beloved shows in all of media – will play a leading role in our NBA coverage,” he said. This statement underscores the importance of the show to ESPN’s strategy for engaging fans during the 2025-26 season.
“Inside the NBA” Returns with a New Format and Schedule
Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson will reunite on “Inside the NBA,” airing on ESPN and ABC at least 20 days during the regular season. The first broadcasts will be on October 22, with two games: the New York Knicks facing the Cleveland Cavaliers (ESPN) and the San Antonio Spurs against the Dallas Mavericks (ESPN). Additional broadcasts are scheduled for specific dates leading up to Christmas Day.
During the playoffs, “Inside the NBA” is expected to play a significant role.
The show will serve as the pregame, halftime, and postgame program for high-profile games, including the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals. These dates have yet to be officially announced but are anticipated to provide extensive coverage of the most critical moments in the season.
Format Details and Future Implications
The format of “Inside the NBA” has been slightly adjusted for its return. Pregame shows on ESPN will begin one hour before tipoff, while those on ABC will start 30 minutes prior to the game. Postgame shows will commence immediately after the games end, with additional coverage during Saturday prime-time games also available through the ESPN app.
According to Burke Magnus, “Fans should expect the same great show they’re accustomed to watching as it becomes an essential part of the highest-profile events in the NBA.” This statement suggests that fans can look forward to familiar commentary and analysis from the original cast.
The return of this iconic studio show also reflects a broader strategy by ESPN to enhance its content offerings, leveraging the popularity of “Inside the NBA” to attract viewers.
As the season progresses, “Inside the NBA” will continue to play an important role in shaping fans’ experiences with the NBA. With its strong cast and extensive schedule during crucial games, the show is poised to become a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts across the country.
