The iconic “Inside the NBA” crew made its much-anticipated debut on ESPN, proving that their unique blend of playful banter and insightful basketball analysis remains gloriously untamed, quelling fan fears of a watered-down transition from TNT.
The highly anticipated debut of the beloved “Inside the NBA” crew on ESPN has officially silenced any lingering doubts about their ability to retain their signature irreverence and unfiltered dynamics. On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith reunited, not on TNT as fans had grown accustomed to for decades, but on a new stage, under the moniker “NBA Tip-Off” for their pregame show ahead of an NBA doubleheader.
The move, which followed TNT’s loss of NBA broadcast rights to ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime, saw the crew launch into action with a playful nod to their past and a humorous take on their new network. This swift display of authenticity reassured a passionate fanbase who had expressed concerns that the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” might temper the group’s famously unscripted interactions.
Barkley’s ESPN Turnaround: From Critic to ‘Honored and Privileged’
Perhaps the most unexpected turn of the night came from Charles Barkley, who, despite his vocal skepticism about leaving TNT and numerous past criticisms of ESPN, expressed genuine nervousness and enthusiasm. Prior to the show, Barkley had often quipped on programs like the “Dan Patrick Show” that he wouldn’t allow ESPN to “work him like a dog.”
During the debut, Ernie Johnson wasted no time in rolling a montage of Barkley’s past anti-ESPN remarks, highlighting the stark contrast with his current sentiment. After the humorous compilation, Barkley declared it an “honor and a privilege” to be with ESPN, a statement met with immediate playful jabs from his co-hosts.
Kenny Smith, ever quick-witted, asked if anyone needed “a napkin for all that kissing up,” a sentiment widely shared by fans amused by Barkley’s sudden change of tune. This type of self-deprecating humor and willingness to acknowledge the elephant in the room set the tone for the rest of the show, proving that the crew’s chemistry was indeed network-agnostic.
Barkley’s New Schedule and Look
The banter continued with a spoof graphic illustrating Barkley’s hypothetical jam-packed schedule on ESPN, featuring appearances on shows like “Get Up,” “First Take,” and even the “American Cornhole League.” It was a classic “Inside the NBA” moment, further cementing the show’s commitment to its unique brand of humor.
The broadcast also highlighted Barkley’s significant weight loss, which he attributed to telehealth company Ro and GLP-1 medication earlier this year, alongside increased physical activity. Shaquille O’Neal playfully dubbed the slimmed-down Barkley a “sex symbol,” further showcasing the camaraderie that defines the show.
Basketball Talk: No Holds Barred Analysis
Beyond the humor, the show quickly transitioned to serious basketball analysis, proving that the move to ESPN wouldn’t dilute their candid player assessments. Despite discussions about the NBA’s desire for partners to maintain a “nice and friendly” tone, Shaquille O’Neal looked directly into the camera and challenged Lakers big man Deandre Ayton to “step it up.”
O’Neal provided specific areas for improvement for Ayton, including rebounding, blocking shots, and dominating in the post, especially when playing alongside stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Barkley echoed this, emphasizing that Ayton should have been “on fire” to capitalize on James’s absence in a recent game.
The program also didn’t shy away from controversial topics. Barkley made a thinly veiled joke about Kawhi Leonard “having two jobs,” alluding to reports regarding the Clippers’ alleged skirting of the salary cap through a no-show endorsement deal with an environmental fintech company. This willingness to tackle sensitive issues has always been a hallmark of the show and remains firmly in place.
The End of an Era on TNT, The Start of a Legacy on ESPN
The move to ESPN comes after an emotional farewell to TNT, which had been a fixture of NBA coverage for nearly four decades. The final TNT broadcast, following the Eastern Conference Finals, saw Ernie Johnson deliver a poignant sign-off. The transition is part of an extensive 11-year media rights deal, reportedly worth at least $76 billion, which re-establishes the league’s presence on NBC and introduces a new partnership with Amazon Prime Video, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Crucially, the “Inside the NBA” crew itself—Johnson, O’Neal, Smith, and Barkley—will remain together, with most shows continuing to be produced from their familiar Atlanta studios. This licensing agreement with TNT parent company Warner Bros. Discovery ensures that the beloved dynamic and production quality that fans cherish are maintained.
Fan Community Insights: Why Continuity Reigns Supreme
For dedicated NBA fans, the continuity of the “Inside the NBA” crew is paramount. The show isn’t just about highlights and analysis; it’s about the genuine, often hilarious, interactions between its hosts. Fan discussions on social media and forums frequently highlighted the fear that a new network might impose creative controls that would stifle the show’s unique charm. The premiere unequivocally demonstrated that these concerns were unfounded, affirming that the show’s essence remains untouched. The seamless blend of irreverence, deep basketball knowledge, and personal chemistry is what has cultivated such a loyal following.
The crew’s ability to transition their authentic selves and spontaneous humor, even while navigating a new corporate landscape, is a testament to their established brand and the careful negotiation that secured their continued collaboration. This successful shift ensures that the “Inside the NBA” experience, now also known as “NBA Tip-Off” on ESPN and ABC, will continue to be a cornerstone of the NBA fan experience.
New Broadcast Schedule and Future Plans
Under the new arrangement, the show, now also referred to as “NBA Tip-Off,” will feature pregame, halftime, and postgame segments during ESPN’s doubleheader broadcasts. ESPN has announced that the program will air on 20 days during the regular season, aligning with games broadcast on ESPN and ABC. Pregame shows on ESPN will commence an hour before tip-off, with postgame shows immediately following the final horn. For ABC, pregame shows will begin 30 minutes before tip-off, and postgame shows will be reserved for Saturday prime-time games and the “NBA Sunday Showcase” series.
ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus emphasized the show’s significance, stating, “We’re proud that ‘Inside the NBA’ — one of the most iconic and beloved shows in all of media — will play a leading role in our NBA coverage.” This commitment underscores the value ESPN places on the unique program, ensuring its presence during the highest-profile events, including the NBA Finals.
The “Inside the NBA” 2025-26 regular season broadcast schedule includes a mix of ESPN and ABC appearances, ensuring fans have ample opportunities to tune in:
- 2025: Oct. 22 (ESPN, ESPN2), Oct. 23 (ESPN), Oct. 29 (ESPN), Nov. 12 (ESPN), Dec. 25 (ESPN, ABC)
- 2026: Jan. 24 (ABC), Jan. 28 (ESPN), Jan. 31 (ABC), Feb. 7 (ABC), Feb. 20 (ESPN), Feb. 21 (ABC), Feb. 22 (ABC), Feb. 27 (ESPN), Feb. 28 (ABC), March 1 (ABC), March 6 (ESPN), March 7 (ABC), March 8 (ABC), March 14 (ABC), April 12 (ESPN)
A New Chapter, Same Great Show
The transition of the “Inside the NBA” crew to ESPN, while initially met with apprehension, has proven to be a seamless and successful one. The core elements that made the show a fan favorite—the unparalleled chemistry, the candid commentary, and the playful jabs—are all vibrantly present. As the NBA enters a new media rights era, fans can rest assured that their beloved studio show will continue to provide the insightful analysis and engaging entertainment they have come to expect, solidifying its legacy as an essential part of the basketball landscape.
