NBA on TNT Crew Moves to ESPN With Same Style & Team
Inside the NBA Leaves TNT After 35 Seasons, Joins ESPN for 2025–26 Season
After 35 unforgettable years on TNT, the iconic NBA studio show Inside the NBA has officially signed off from its longtime home. In a farewell filled with raw emotion, laughter, and even a mic drop, the show wrapped up its final episode on TNT. But fans can breathe easy—Inside the NBA is not going away. It’s simply moving to a new home on ESPN and ABC starting with the 2025–26 NBA season.
NBA ON TNT IS OFFICIALLY DONE
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 1, 2025
END OF AN ERA ????️ pic.twitter.com/jM1NEEwOcF
Why Is Inside the NBA Moving?
The move comes after the NBA finalized a new broadcast rights deal, which did not include TNT. As a result, TNT lost its rights to air NBA games after the 2024–25 season. However, the popularity and cultural impact of Inside the NBA prompted ESPN to acquire rights to air the show, while TNT Sports will continue to produce it.
What’s Staying the Same?
Despite the network switch, much of the show’s DNA will remain unchanged:
Same Cast: Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal will all stay on board.
Same Studio: The show will still be filmed at Studio J in Atlanta.
Same Production Team: TNT Sports will continue to produce the show.
Same Format: The unscripted, hilarious, and candid discussions that fans love will not be altered.
TNT Employees: The hosts and crew will remain employees of TNT Sports—not ESPN.
Farewell to NBA on TNT after 36 seasons ????
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) June 1, 2025
One of the best shows ever in sports ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kWrQY6Yvw7
What’s Changing?
While the heart of the show remains the same, a few exciting changes are coming:
NBA Finals Coverage: For the first time ever, the Inside the NBA team will provide coverage during the NBA Finals—including pregame, halftime, and postgame analysis—on ESPN and ABC.
Platform: Episodes will now air on ESPN and ABC, reaching a broader audience.
Possible Minor Tweaks: While major changes aren’t expected, ESPN may add subtle updates to fit its branding.
Shaq Reassures Fans: “You Can Never Kill the Four Horsemen”
During the final TNT episode, Shaquille O’Neal told fans, “The show is still here, baby. You can never kill the four horsemen. We will do it our way.” This message reinforced that Inside the NBA’s spirit will live on, even under a different banner.
After 36 years, NBA on TNT signs off for the final time. ???? pic.twitter.com/sQVMBFfIVF
— Ratioed Sports (@RatioedSports) June 1, 2025
What’s Staying the Same
Even though Inside the NBA is moving from TNT to ESPN/ABC starting in the 2025–26 season, the core of the show remains unchanged. The production will still take place at TNT Sports' Studio J in Atlanta, with the same beloved hosts—Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal—continuing their roles. The show’s signature unfiltered and entertaining style will be preserved, as TNT Sports will retain full editorial control despite the network switch.
What’s Changing in the ESPN Era
The biggest update for fans is that Inside the NBA will now cover the NBA Finals for the first time, providing pregame, halftime, and postgame analysis on ESPN and ABC broadcasts. This move offers the show a larger stage without altering its creative freedom. While minor adjustments may be made, the heart and humor of the program will stay intact.
