Viewers are wondering if Inside the NBA is ending soon. The beloved basketball post-game show is reportedly running the risk of getting canceled. Aired by TNT, the talk show features a star-studded lineup with basketball legends Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal rounding off the analyst panel. Inside the NBA premiered in 1989 and has been hosted by renowned sportscaster Ernie Johnson since its second season. However, an ongoing tussle over broadcasting rights has shrouded the show’s future in uncertainty.
Here is why Inside the NBA could be shelved after the culmination of the 2024-25 season.
Is TNT’s Inside the NBA show ending and why?
Despite the lack of an official confirmation, it seems highly likely that Inside the NBA will soon be terminated.
According to Sports Business Journal, the NBA is negotiating a deal for its media rights with Disney, NBC, and Amazon. While ESPN has tabled a gigantic offer of $2.8 billion, NBC has reportedly offered $2.6 billion to secure the broadcasting rights of the NBA.
As a result, Warner Bros’ long-term deal with the association has come under a gigantic threat. The entertainment company is expected to fall well short of the lucrative offers of its competitors. If TNT loses its rights to broadcast the sporting league, Inside the NBA might just meet its end, come next year.
Is Inside the NBA canceled?
Inside the NBA hasn’t been canceled as of yet.
However, the 2024-25 campaign could effectively be the final time that fans will see Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal discuss NBA games on air. Nevertheless, a deal has not materialized at the time of writing, and Warner Bros may likely be unable to match NBC’s bid when the time comes.
The cast of the talk show could be retained under a new banner, even if the league goes through a network shift. Considering all that has been reported, Inside the NBA will likely end in 2025. ComingSoon will provide an update to this story if and when an official announcement about the show’s future is made.
