In the upcoming 2025-26 season, "Inside the NBA," a long-running and iconic studio show, will be transitioning from TNT to ESPN's networks. Despite concerns that ESPN might interfere with the show's timing and content, Front Office Sports reported that "Inside the NBA" will be allowed to run "extensively" after games on ESPN networks, including its parent network, ABC. This is a relief for the show's loyal viewers who have watched Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O'Neal guide and entertain them after NBA games for decades.
However, there are still legitimate reasons for concern. ESPN's track record with decisions around NBA studio content is not the best, and a big reason for outsourcing it to "Inside the NBA" was due to Jimmy Pitaro's decision when he saw the chance. Kenny Smith expressed skepticism about the move in an interview with the New Yorker, stating that he was uncomfortable with the lack of control over timing. There are also concerns about whether unfiltered Charles Barkley will be allowed to run on ABC airwaves in postgame coverage.
Additionally, there is a question about what happens to other ESPN shows like "SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt," which features an immediate postgame interview with the star of the game. Doing both shows at the same time on different networks doesn't make much sense. Despite announcing that "NBA Countdown" and "NBA Today" will continue to air in some form, ESPN has yet to provide details of its plans about how and when "Inside the NBA" will air.
With its extensive collection of networks, ESPN does have options for scheduling "Inside the NBA." If the game airs on ABC, ESPN would have the option of tossing postgame "Inside the NBA" coverage to ESPN. However, until specifics are confirmed, fans will continue to wonder whether ESPN will mess things up, specifically around the timing of the show.
