Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

TNT Makes Historic ‘Inside the NBA’ Announcement After Final Broadcast

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 1:58 PM ET

TNT was home to the NBA for 36 seasons—the longest-running sports program in the network’s history—and it ended exactly the way fans would’ve wanted: with the iconic “Inside the NBA” crew of Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley on screen, laughing, joking, and even shedding a few tears as they wrapped up an unforgettable era.

The beloved panel is expected to move to ESPN next season, which have now acquired the rights to the show. But with Saturday marking their final TNT broadcast—following the Indiana Pacers’ Game 6 victory over the New York Knicks to clinch a spot in the NBA Finals—some historic viewership numbers emerged Tuesday.

TNT’s PR team announced that the finale delivered the show’s most-watched episode in two years, averaging 3.5 million viewers.

Saturday's "Inside the NBA" TNT finale delivered its most watched episode in two years, averaging 3.5 million viewers. https://t.co/U7NQ7yUfVV pic.twitter.com/gIHwTR8wrF
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@TNTSportsUS) June 3, 2025

Additionally, the entire Knicks–Pacers series, which aired exclusively on TNT, averaged 7 million viewers across six games—up 3% from TNT’s coverage of the 2024 Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves.

While TNT will no longer be broadcasting NBA games, the network has become synonymous with delivering high-quality, engaging coverage that consistently draws in viewers.

"Inside the NBA" has set the standard for sports media, and the iconic four-man crew has made it clear they’re bringing that same energy and chemistry to their next chapter. Fans can expect the same passion, humor, and insight as they transition to their new home.

“Even though the name changes, the engine is still the same,”O’Neal said during the final broadcast. “And to that new network we’re coming to, we’re not coming to (expletive) around. … We’re taking over, OK? I love you guys and I appreciate you guys.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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