NBA Expands Reach with New Broadcasting Agreement
In a significant shift for basketball broadcasting, the NBA, TNT Sports, and ESPN have unveiled a new partnership set to revolutionize how fans experience the league. Beginning in the 2025-26 season, “Inside the NBA,” the iconic post-game show known for its insightful yet entertaining analysis, will expand its reach by airing on additional networks.
The landmark agreement not only secures the continuation of the beloved show but also resolves the NBA's legal tussles with Warner Bros. Discovery. Under this new 11-year contract, TNT Sports will retain its role as the independent producer of "Inside the NBA" in Atlanta, ensuring that fans will continue to enjoy the charismatic on-screen chemistry of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson. Their presence will be amplified across high-profile NBA events across the various networks included in the agreement.
As part of the new broadcasting deal, ESPN has agreed to share its exclusive rights. Specifically, they will allow TNT Sports to broadcast 13 Big 12 football games and 15 Big 12 basketball games each season, starting in 2025. This arrangement promises to offer sports fans a richer palette of sporting content while reinforcing TNT Sports' growing influence in the basketball world.
An intriguing aspect of the new agreement is the global outreach it fosters. Warner Bros. Discovery has secured a package to broadcast live NBA games outside the United States, enabling international fans to engage with American basketball like never before. Moreover, TNT Sports will be granted a global license to create, produce, and distribute NBA content, which will also be featured on the NBA's official website and app. This deliberate move signifies the NBA's strategic effort to bolster its global presence and engage its international audience with ease and accessibility.
For ESPN, the changes will see the continuation of its production of "NBA Countdown," a show that has successfully bridged fans with inside looks into the pre-game atmosphere and key match insights. This blend of familiar network staples with new collaborative approaches promises an enriched viewing experience.
In commenting on the fresh dynamics of this agreement, Adam Silver, the NBA Commissioner, highlighted the critical importance of maintaining "Inside the NBA" on air, underscoring its significance not only as a show but as an essential part of the fan experience: “The opportunity to continue the iconic and Emmy Award-winning 'Inside the NBA' is a huge win for basketball fans everywhere.”
The forward-thinking alliance between these broadcasting giants showcases a proactive adaptation to the evolving media landscape, providing audiences globally with comprehensive, engaging, and distinctive basketball coverage. As the 2025 season approaches, the anticipation builds for a new era of NBA broadcasting that promises to blend tradition with innovation for fans worldwide.