ESPN chief promises ‘Inside the NBA’ will stay the same, logo aside

Inside the NBA has left TNT for ESPN this season, but the look and feel will remain unchanged.

ESPN president of content Burke Magnus told The Athletic the iconic studio show will still be produced in Atlanta by the same Turner crew, with Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal all being encouraged to do their thing.

“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 group will be on ESPN’s opening night broadcast Oct. 22 (Cavaliers vs. Knicks and Spurs vs. Mavericks), then back for Christmas Day coverage. They’ll also be part of every playoff night.

On the downside, Inside won’t be on as frequently during the regular season because of ESPN’s backloaded schedule.

The network carries Wednesday doubleheaders, Saturday nights on ABC, and Sunday afternoon games, compared to Turner’s steady Tuesday/Thursday slate that allowed the show to run long.

On nights when Inside isn’t airing, ESPN will stick with its NBA Countdown crew of Malika Andrews, Bob Myers, Kendrick Perkins and Michael Wilbon.

The show has been a staple since 1990, picking up 21 Sports Emmys and even earning a Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame. TNT lost out in the NBA’s new $76 billion rights deal, leading ESPN to strike a licensing agreement that keeps the cast intact.

“When these guys are going, we’re going to let them go,” Magnus said. “None of that is going to change.”

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