Charles Barkley Raises Concerns Over Inside NBA Move to ESPN Amid NBA Broadcast Shifts

With TNT losing its NBA broadcast rights for the 2025-26 season, the iconic postgame show Inside the NBA will move to ESPN under a licensing agreement, with TNT continuing production. Charles Barkley expressed concerns about whether ESPN will allow the show its usual 45-minute postgame airtime or cut it short to accommodate SportsCenter, which could affect the show's signature freewheeling style. Despite Barkley's worries, ESPN insists it will maintain the show's format, though the true impact will only be known once the season begins. Meanwhile, NBC is ramping up its NBA coverage with a star-studded broadcasting team, including Michael Jordan as a special contributor and Tracy McGrady joining as a studio analyst, both bringing deep basketball expertise and screen presence. Former players and insiders like Tracy Murray anticipate Jordan will deliver unfiltered, entertaining commentary, similar to Barkley's style, adding excitement and authenticity to NBC's coverage. Thus, the NBA media landscape in 2025 is set for notable shifts with new network homes for key programs and prominent former stars transitioning into influential broadcasting roles.