ESPN says the beloved studio program “Inside the NBA” will look and sound the same this season despite moving from TNT to its own airwaves.
Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, told The Athletic that the show will continue to originate from Atlanta and will still be produced by the established Turner Sports crew. Hosts Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal will remain in place and are being encouraged to deliver the same free-wheeling commentary that has defined the broadcast since 1990.
“Fans are going to get the show they love in a way that’s very similar to the way it’s always been,” Magnus said. “Other than a logo on the set, it’s going to appear the same, and that’s exactly what we want.”
The quartet will debut on ESPN’s opening-night doubleheader Oct. 22—Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks followed by San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks—and will return for Christmas Day coverage and every playoff night.
Because ESPN’s NBA schedule is concentrated later in the season—Wednesday doubleheaders, Saturday games on ABC and Sunday afternoon matchups—“Inside” will air less frequently during the regular campaign than it did on TNT’s regular Tuesday/Thursday slate. On nights without the show, ESPN will continue with its “NBA Countdown” team of Malika Andrews, Bob Myers, Kendrick Perkins and Michael Wilbon.
Launched in 1990, “Inside the NBA” has earned 21 Sports Emmy Awards and the Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Media Award. TNT’s loss of NBA rights in the league’s new $76 billion media agreement opened the door for ESPN’s licensing deal that preserved the original cast.
“When these guys are going, we’re going to let them go,” Magnus said. “None of that is going to change.”
Source: Hoops Wire
