ESPN Confirms Charles Barkley, Inside NBA Crew Move to ESPN Next Season

The iconic NBA studio show "Inside the NBA," featuring Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Charles Barkley, is set to move from TNT to ESPN for the 2025-26 season following TNT's loss of NBA broadcasting rights. Despite initial uncertainty about the show's future and the cast's status, ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro has confirmed that the entire hosting lineup is expected to stay intact, with the show continuing to be produced out of its longtime Atlanta studio under TNT's editorial control. Barkley, who had previously announced plans to retire after the 2024-25 season but later reversed his decision to save jobs, remains a key figure, though his relationship with the network has been complex, especially after learning about the show's move through the media rather than directly from TNT. Shaquille O'Neal recently signed a lucrative long-term contract, and Barkley is under a substantial 10-year extension, ensuring stability among the hosts. Fans can look forward to the show continuing on ESPN with its distinctive chemistry and personalities, even as the NBA's media rights landscape evolves with new deals involving ESPN/ABC, Amazon Prime Video, and NBC/Peacock. Barkley's recent viral hot mic moment before an Eastern Conference Finals game exemplifies his unpredictable and candid presence, which has been a hallmark of the program.