The NBA‘s potential shift from Warner Bros. Discovery has piqued fans’ interest, with the Sports Business Journal reporting that formal written contracts with Disney, NBC, and Amazon regarding media rights negotiations are potentially reaching their final stages. These negotiations could reshape the way fans consume NBA content and most notably, could mark the end of a beloved show, “Inside the NBA.”
The NBA is possibly going through a major media coverage change as it considers ending its partnership with TNT and joining forces with NBC for the ‘B’ package coverage. The proposed NBC coverage bid includes a show called ‘Basketball Night in America’ airing on Sunday nights, two primetime slots each week, and coverage of the conference semifinals and conference final, all estimated at $2.5 billion. It has been reported that Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav would need to match this figure to keep the media rights at TNT.
‘Inside the NBA presented by KIA’ is hosted by Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. The show has been on the air since 1989 and is known for its entertaining and insightful basketball coverage. It has won the hearts of fans with its unique charm.
More:NBA’s potential media deals with Disney, Amazon and NBC gaining traction
‘Inside the NBA’ show’s history
Inside the NBA made its debut during the 1989-90 NBA season and had a rotating panel of hosts and analysts, including Craig Sager, Hannah Storm, and Vince Cellini.
In 1990, Ernie Johnson Jr., who transitioned from a sideline reporting role, became the show’s full-time host and still holds that position. In 1998, Kenny Smith, a former professional basketball player from 1987 to 1997, joined Johnson as a full-time co-host. After retiring, former NBA All-Star Charles Barkley joined TNT in 2000, and finally, in 2011, TNT added Shaquille O’Neal to the table as a studio analyst.
The show has featured numerous former and current NBA players in the more than 30-year history who have provided insights into the game. The future of the show is still unknown and will most likely remain so until media rights are determined.
The best of ‘Inside the NBA’ show
There are too many hilarious moments to count in one day, but we did our best to compile the top moments for the “Inside the NBA” show.
Fans share their favorite moments on X, formally known as Twitter.
