Inside the NBA in Jeopardy? How TNT’s TV Rights Battle Could End the Barkley & Shaq Era

. The move, finalized through a licensing pact between Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT Sports and Disney’s ESPN, ensures that Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith remain on the air—even as TNT loses national game rights under the NBA’s new multibillion-dollar media deal.</p> <h2>Why “Inside the NBA” Is Switching Networks</h2>.</p> <h2>Cast Contracts Keep the Crew Intact</h2>. Charles Barkley, already under contract through 2031, earns an estimated $21 million per season, while Kenny Smith and host Ernie Johnson also received raises—terms undisclosed—to remain part of the on-air foursome.</p> <h2>How the Licensing Arrangement Works</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Production hub:</strong> TNT Sports crews will film and edit the show in Atlanta.</li> <li><strong>Distribution:</strong> ESPN and ABC gain exclusive U.S. linear and streaming rights.</li> <li><strong>Sponsorship:</strong> Existing TNT brand integrations, such as the “Kia NBA Tip-Off,” carry over but may add Disney Advertising partners.</li> <li><strong>Digital clips:</strong> Social-media highlights will appear on both Turner and ESPN platforms, broadening reach.</li> </ul> <h2>What Changes for Viewers?</h2> <p>On camera, very little—viewers will still hear the same candid debates, comedy sketches and film-room breakdowns. The primary shift is scheduling: “Inside” will wrap ESPN/ABC doubleheaders instead of TNT’s Thursday slate. Expect extra Sunday editions during ABC’s primetime windows and enhanced crossovers with ESPN’s game broadcasters.</p> <h2>Impact on TNT Sports’ Portfolio</h2>.</p> <h2>Timeline to the Transition</h2> <p><strong>Summer 2025:</strong> Disney and Turner finalize production logistics.<br> <strong>Oct. 2025:</strong> Season-opening special airs on ESPN.<br> <strong>Dec. 2025:</strong> “Inside” makes its ABC debut on Christmas Day.<br> <strong>April 2026:</strong> First ESPN-produced playoffs edition; TNT crews remain on location for the conference finals.</p> <h2>Bottom Line</h2> <p>By combining Turner’s production savvy with Disney’s distribution muscle, the NBA’s favorite studio show secures its future in a changing media landscape. Whether you tune in on cable, broadcast or ESPN+, you’ll still find Ernie, Chuck, Kenny and Shaq delivering the unscripted basketball banter fans can’t live without.</p>