The future of Inside the NBA has been one of the league’s biggest off-court storylines since ESPN acquired rights to the iconic show. Now, fans have their answer: the program will remain largely the same, just under a new network.
“As Close As We Can Possibly Get”
ESPN’s Burke Magnus confirmed this week that the award-winning show will continue to air pregame, halftime, and postgame segments throughout the season. The crew will be on air for opening night, take a hiatus until Christmas Day, then increase frequency in the second half of the season, leading up to nightly playoff coverage.
“That is our goal,” Magnus said when asked about keeping the same format fans loved on TNT. “It will be as close to that as we can possibly get. Other than a logo on the set, it’s going to appear the same, and that’s exactly what we want.”
Magnus acknowledged that ESPN will still prioritize SportsCenter on hundreds of nights each season, but insisted Inside the NBA will be protected on its scheduled nights.
Same Crew, Same Energy
The Atlanta-based production team that worked under Turner Sports will continue to produce the show. That means fans will still see the same personalities who helped make Inside the NBA one of the most influential sports shows ever: Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Magnus added: “When these guys are going, we’re going to let them go. We have more complications than Turner with live events, but also more platforms and networks to use. We want the same outcome as the headline here.”
What Happens on Off Nights
On nights when Inside the NBA doesn’t air, ESPN will turn to its NBA Countdown crew, featuring Malika Andrews, Bob Myers, Kendrick Perkins, and Michael Wilbon.
While the network has more programming demands than Turner, Magnus emphasized that the flagship show won’t be shortened or diminished. “The equivalent would be if we acquired College GameDay and then said, ‘You know what? We think two hours is better than three.’ None of that is going to happen.”
A New Era, But Familiar Feel
For more than 35 years, Inside the NBA thrived on TNT, with Johnson at the desk since the start, Smith joining in 1998, Barkley in 2000, and O’Neal in 2011.
ESPN and TNT reached a licensing agreement for the show after TNT lost its NBA media rights, allowing Inside the NBA to transition intact to its new home. Its move to ESPN marks the end of one era, but, if Magnus’ promises hold true, the beginning of another that looks almost identical.
ESPN’s message to fans is simple: Inside the NBA isn’t going anywhere. The set, the crew, and the chemistry remain intact.