Warner Bros. and NBA Reach Media Deal

The popular show 'Inside the NBA' will transition to ESPN and ABC starting with the 2025-26 season as part of a settlement between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and the NBA, concluding WBD's lawsuit against the league. Despite the change in networks, the show's core team, including Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson Jr., and Kenny Smith, will remain intact, with TNT retaining production control and the show filmed in Atlanta. The settlement also grants TNT rights to more college sports, specifically Big 12 games, in exchange for 'Inside the NBA.' Barkley, known for his outspoken critiques, will continue to express his opinions freely on ESPN, raising questions about how his dynamic with the network will evolve. The agreement solidifies WBD's relationship with the NBA for the next decade, while ESPN is poised to pay significantly more for NBA media rights, totaling $2.6 billion annually. Fans and analysts view this as a win for both the show and its viewers, ensuring the beloved panel continues to entertain.