### The End of an Era: TNT's "Inside the NBA" Concludes Its Historic Run - The NBA on TNT era has officially ended following the conclusion of the Eastern Conference Finals, marking a significant transition in sports broadcasting. TNT has lost its rights to NBA games, which will now be aired by ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Amazon Prime starting in the 2025-26 season. Despite this, the beloved studio show "Inside the NBA," featuring Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith, will continue on ESPN and ABC, albeit under new management and expectations. Charles Barkley has expressed concerns about the future of the show, particularly regarding its format and competition with live games [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/charles_barkley_blasts_tnts_future_inside_the_nba_plans/s1_17615_42276388]. ### Structure of the Transition and Future Prospects 1. **End of TNT's NBA Coverage**: The final broadcast on TNT occurred after the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks, concluding a 30+ year partnership with the NBA [https://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2025-06-01/and-with-that-an-era-ends-thanks-for-watching-us-its-the-nba-on-tnt]. 2. **Transition to ESPN**: "Inside the NBA" will continue on ESPN and ABC, with the same core team, but under the Disney umbrella, raising questions about how the show's dynamic will change [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/charles_barkley_reveals_timeline_for_inside_the_nba_after_moving_to_espn/s1_17615_42276016]. 3. **Barkley's Concerns**: Charles Barkley has voiced skepticism about the future of the show, particularly regarding the lack of basketball highlights and the potential scheduling conflicts with live games [https://www.wric.com/sports/sports-illustrated/992d0b7b/charles-barkley-reveals-how-soon-hes-going-to-want-to-leave-espn]. 4. **Emotional Farewell**: The final broadcast featured an emotional sign-off from Ernie Johnson, who expressed gratitude for the years spent on TNT and the impact of the show on NBA fans [https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/06/01/nba-tnt-sports-sign-off-knicks-pacers]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Broadcast History**: TNT has been a staple in NBA broadcasting since 1989, providing fans with over three decades of coverage and analysis [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/7deebe73/explaining-what-will-happen-to-inside-the-nba-with-tnt-losing-nba-rights]. - **Viewership and Popularity**: "Inside the NBA" has garnered numerous Emmy awards and a dedicated fan base, making it a significant part of NBA culture [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/charles_barkley_reveals_timeline_for_inside_the_nba_after_moving_to_espn/s1_17615_42276016]. - **Future Broadcast Plans**: The show will air on ESPN and ABC, with the potential for changes in format and production style, which has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike [https://sg.news.yahoo.com/whats-next-for-tnts-inside-the-nba-as-it-transitions-to-espn-will-there-be-changes-to-the-landmark-show-174312556.html]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for "Inside the NBA" - **Transitioning to ESPN**: The move to ESPN represents both a challenge and an opportunity for "Inside the NBA." While the core team remains intact, the new environment may alter the show's dynamic and viewer experience. - **Barkley's Skepticism**: Charles Barkley's concerns highlight the uncertainty surrounding the show's future, particularly regarding its ability to maintain the same level of engagement and entertainment without the backdrop of live games. - **Emotional Legacy**: The farewell to TNT marks the end of a beloved era, but the continuation of "Inside the NBA" on ESPN offers hope for fans eager to see how the show evolves in its new home. The emotional sign-off from Ernie Johnson encapsulates the deep connection the team has built with its audience over the years [https://www.wric.com/sports/sports-illustrated/b817a44e/ernie-johnson-wrapped-up-final-nba-on-tnt-broadcast-with-an-emotional-sign-off].