The "Inside the NBA" panel in 2012. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Is the end near for 'Inside the NBA' on TNT?

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 4/19/24

The NBA's exclusive media rights negotiating window with Disney (ESPN, ABC) and Warner Bros. Discovery (TNT) will reportedly expire Monday without a new deal.

According to CNBC's Alex Sherman, the NBA is set to begin talks with interested partners such as Apple, YouTube TV, Comcast, NBCUniversal/Peacock and Netflix, all of whom have expressed "potential interest" in airing packages of games on their streaming platforms.

The report added that the NBA intends to remain with Disney and WBD, its existing partners, but wants to "bring in at least one new partner to serve as a flagship streamer."

However, if the NBA ends its partnership with WBD, basketball fans could be hit with the sober reality of "Inside the NBA" on TNT coming to an end. The show has been an institution for over 20 years, with its freewheeling and comedic approach to serious sports topics, for which it earned 18 Emmys.

I hope it’s not the end for Inside the NBA. https://t.co/9Y5trS4ufB pic.twitter.com/jByti9CVaG
— Brandon (@turkand3mumzz) April 19, 2024

In 2022, it was announced that the show's superstar quartet of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson had signed long-term contract extensions to remain with WBD. As such, it remains to be seen if the "Inside the NBA" concept will be replicated on another platform if WBD and the NBA end their partnership.

After signing the extension, Johnson expressed optimism that the NBA would remain a part of the WBD network for years.

"I realize that the landscape is changing in how people watch and that kind of thing and streaming being what it is. But no, I have full confidence we will still be partners with the NBA when that time comes," Johnson told Sports Media with Richard Deitsch.

The NBA's media rights with Disney and WBD expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Here's hoping Shaq & Co.'s weekly unscripted banter remains on the airwaves, even if not exclusively on a WBD network.

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