Inside the NBA, the beloved basketball studio show that defined TNT’s NBA coverage for more than three decades, made its ESPN debut Wednesday night, Oct. 22.
The stage looked familiar, the laughs were the same, and even the theme music hadn’t changed, but something was definitely new. And for all his trademark confidence, Charles Barkley admitted he felt something he rarely does.
Charles Barkley Opens Up About ESPN Debut
Before tip-off of ESPN’s season-opening doubleheader, Barkley shared an uncharacteristically heartfelt moment about what it meant to take Inside the NBA to a new home.
“I was nervous today. I am not going to lie,” Barkley said. “Shaq and Kenny can say the same thing: every person that’s ever touched a ball wanted to be on ESPN. They are the greatest sports network ever. To be working for these guys is an honor and a privilege.”
His sincerity prompted laughter from co-host Kenny Smith, who quickly jumped in with a jab that lightened the mood:
“You want a napkin for all that kissing up?”
Charles Barkley: “I was nervous today…Every person who’s ever touched a ball wanted to be on ESPN. They are the greatest sports network ever.”
Kenny Smith: “Do you want a napkin for all that kissing up you just did?”
. (via @SportsCenter)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 22, 2025
The show’s trademark humor, chemistry, and chaos were all still intact, even if the ESPN logos on the desk were a reminder that a new chapter had begun.
The ESPN premiere marked a major shift in NBA broadcasting. Inside the NBA transitioned from TNT after Warner Bros. Discovery’s Turner Sports lost NBA rights to ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime following the 2024–25 season.
However, as part of a landmark licensing deal, TNT will continue to produce the show and retain full editorial control, ensuring that the series keeps its authentic tone and identity.
That includes longtime host Ernie Johnson and analysts Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith — a group whose on-screen chemistry has earned them dozens of awards and near-universal fan loyalty.
Despite fan concerns that ESPN’s corporate polish might dull the show’s signature spontaneity, Wednesday’s debut proved otherwise. The crew rolled through their usual inside jokes and unscripted moments, poking fun at both ESPN and themselves.
One memorable gag featured a fake on-screen schedule listing Barkley’s “new” ESPN assignments, including appearances on Get Up, ESPN Deportes, and more from 3 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. It was a wink at Barkley’s past remarks about never wanting to “work like a dog” for the network.
That self-deprecating humor hits differently when you remember Barkley’s past stance on joining ESPN. Earlier this year, he told the SI Media Podcast with Jimmy Traina:
“ESPN Radio, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes. I mean, HELL NO! As much as I love ESPN, I just turned 61. The notion that I’m going to be working like a dog into my mid-60s, that’s definitely not going to happen.”
Given that history, his comment about being “honored” to be part of ESPN caught many by surprise. But perhaps it also reflects the show’s unique position — Inside the NBA didn’t move to ESPN as a corporate takeover, but as a partnership. TNT remains behind the scenes, keeping the show’s spirit alive even on a rival network.
ESPN Finally Gets Its Dream Studio Show
For years, ESPN has tried and failed to replicate Inside the NBA’s magic. Efforts like NBA Countdown never matched the free-flowing humor, unpredictability, and genuine friendship that defined TNT’s version.
Now, rather than compete with it, ESPN has chosen to embrace it, licensing the show outright and letting the crew continue what they do best.
The debut episode aired ahead of a doubleheader featuring the Cavaliers vs. Knicks and Spurs vs. Mavericks, marking the beginning of what could be a new golden era for NBA studio coverage.
