NBA's Initial ESPN Broadcast Schedule Unveiled, Leaving Many Fans Dissatisfied with Significant Alterations
In a significant shift for sports television, the popular show Inside the NBA is set to undergo major changes as it transitions from TNT to ESPN. The show, known for its extended postgame rituals featuring hosts Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith, is expected to be reduced to a 30-minute timeslot, starting around 12:05 a.m. ET following ESPN's first NBA doubleheader of the 2025-26 season [1][2][5].
This reduction in length is a sharp cut from the show's traditional length of around 50 minutes or longer on TNT. The concern among fans and media is that this truncation may lead to the loss of the extended, casual, and comedic format that made the show iconic [1][4].
The show will still air live during marquee events such as the NBA Finals, conference finals, playoffs, opening week, and Christmas Day on ESPN. However, there are concerns that it might not be seen regularly outside these events, with early reports suggesting that after the season opener, Inside the NBA is not scheduled again until Christmas Day, leaving long gaps without new episodes [4].
The move to ESPN has also raised questions about the show's aesthetic and whether it will maintain its unique appeal and energy in its new corporate entity. Bill Simmons earlier this year stated that the move to ESPN would potentially damage Inside the NBA due to ESPN's commercial-heavy programming potentially cutting into the show's dialogue-driven approach and wild antics [3].
Corporate executives' perspectives are less directly reported, but ESPN’s scheduling choices hint at a strategic integration of Inside the NBA into a tighter programming window that flows into SportsCenter, possibly emphasizing broader synergy but sacrificing the show's standalone depth and informal tone [2][5].
The reaction from fans and media has been largely negative, expressing dissatisfaction and outrage over the truncation. Longtime viewers lament the loss of the extended, casual, and comedic format that made the show iconic. There is skepticism about ESPN’s commitment to preserving the show's unique appeal and energy in this reduced format [1][4].
In summary:
- The new length on ESPN: About 30 minutes (down from ~50+ minutes on TNT)
- Air time: Around 12:05 a.m. ET after ESPN’s NBA doubleheader
- Air frequency outside events: Possibly only on big dates (Playoffs, Finals, Christmas)
- Fan reaction: Widespread frustration and concern over the loss of format
- ESPN approach: Integration into a tighter late-night window leading into SportsCenter
This shift has stirred apprehension about the future tone and depth of Inside the NBA on ESPN compared to its celebrated run on TNT [1][2][4][5].
[1] The Hollywood Reporter
[2] Variety
[3] The Ringer
[4] Sports Illustrated
[5] Deadline
- The daily blend of wit, humor, and basketball analysis seen in Inside the NBA might undergo changes, as concerns arise about the potential loss of its extended, casual, and comedic format following its transition to ESPN from TNT.
- NBA fans might have to wait long gaps between episodes, as Inside the NBA is only scheduled to air regularly during marquee events on ESPN, with early reports suggesting no confirmed broadcast after the season opener until Christmas Day.
