The fan-favorite studio show, “Inside the NBA,” is officially coming to ESPN and ABC for the 2025-26 season. Get ready for more of the entertaining analysis and unfiltered commentary from the iconic crew—Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith—as they cover the league’s biggest games and events.
This move marks a new chapter for the 21-time Emmy Award-winning program. Fans can look forward to the team’s signature style as they host pregame, halftime, and postgame shows for major NBA matchups. For the first time ever, the crew will also cover the NBA Finals exclusively on ABC, bringing their unique energy to the league’s championship series.
📺 A New Home for a Legendary Show
Starting this October, the celebrated “Inside the NBA” team will bring their famous studio show to ESPN and ABC. The crew, known for their great chemistry and honest basketball talk, will continue to provide their award-winning coverage. This means fans won’t miss a moment of the fun and insightful discussions they’ve come to love, now on a new platform for major NBA events.
🗓️ Key Dates for the Season Debut
Mark your calendars for the show’s big debut on ESPN, which will take place over two nights during the season’s opening week on Wednesday, October 22, and Thursday, October 23. Throughout the season, the team will be present for all the major events, including the traditional Christmas Day games, NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC, and ABC’s NBA Sunday Showcase, ensuring they cover the most exciting moments of the year.
🏀 Covering the Biggest Games, Including the Finals
The crew’s role will be central to ESPN and ABC’s basketball coverage. They will host pregame shows one hour before games on ESPN and 30 minutes before tip-off on ABC. Postgame analysis will follow immediately after the final buzzer. The most exciting news for fans is that “Inside the NBA” will now be the official studio show for the NBA Finals on ABC, adding their legendary commentary to the season’s ultimate showdown.
🎙️ Excitement for the Season Ahead
ESPN has expressed great enthusiasm for this new partnership. Burke Magnus, ESPN’s President of Content, shared his pride in having such an iconic show join their lineup. He assured fans that they can expect the same great program they know and love, now integrated into the NBA’s most high-profile events. The full schedule for their coverage of the NBA Playoffs and Finals will be announced later in the season.
