Report: ABC/ESPN obtains rights to Inside the NBA in Warner Bros Discovery-NBA lawsuit settlement

According to Joe Flint of the Wall Street Journal, a court case between the NBA and Warner Brothers has been settled. Part of the deal will allow Warner Brothers to license out their product to other companies, including the award-winning pregame show “Inside the NBA.”

While the show was thought to be previously out of the picture due to Warner Brothers not retaining NBA media rights, it can now live on. ESPN/ABC will be able to air the show beginning with the 2024-2025 season. A huge win for basketball fans out there.

“Warner Bros. Discovery struck a deal with Disney to license the TNT show ‘Inside the NBA’ to ESPN and ABC starting next season, according to the people familiar with the matter,” Flint said in his report. “The show, which features the former players Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, has an enthusiastic and large following. The show will air throughout the course of the season.”

“Inside the NBA” is widely considered the best pre/postgame show in sports, with Ernie Johnson hosting. As the report mentions, Barkley and O’Neal provide a lot of the entertainment. Kenny Smith is a part of the crew too, joining in on the fun.

Barkley has been quite open about his career with the show potentially ending. This summer, he announced this season would be his last. Maybe “Inside the NBA” staying alive will change his mind, especially if he is still technically an employee of TNT.

“I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT. But I have made the decision that no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television. And I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me. My heart is full with joy and gratitude.”

Either way, a big win for NBA fans as their favorite show will continue on. And ESPN has to be quite happy as well.