There’s been a lot of talk about upcoming media rights deals and what that means for the future of TNT’s hit NBA studio show, Inside the NBA. The program has been a popular staple of major national NBA coverage for over two decades, and its standing might be on the rocks. (Emphasis: might.)
But as everyone wonders what might happen to Ernie Johnson and the gang moving forward, it’s not quite time to eulogize Inside the NBA just yet! Regardless of what happens with TV negotiations, folks, TNT still has NBA rights for at least another season.
Talk of this show going off the air is premature no matter what.
Sports Business Journal reports today that the NBA will formalize new deals w/ ESPN, NBC & Amazon this week. @SBJ also says NBC will air "Basketball Night in America" on Sunday nights after the NFL season.
This means next season will be the last for TNT & "Inside the NBA."
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) May 22, 2024
That means Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal will all be together on TNT for the 2024-2025 season, even if the network loses its long-term NBA rights. Again, a full season of shows.
So, let’s save our goodbyes for then if we’ll even need to.