Community speaks after ICE raids at South Park Italian restaurant

Key Takeaways:

• TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ concluded after nearly 40 years on air.
• The show will transition to ESPN and ABC next season.
• NBA games will no longer be broadcast on TNT due to a new 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal.
• The NBA is returning to NBC and starting a partnership with Amazon Prime Video.
• Hosts and crew expressed heartfelt gratitude and reflected on the legacy of TNT’s NBA coverage.

An Era Ends for TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’

Ernie Johnson could barely get the words out. On Saturday night, after nearly four decades as a fixture of the league, TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ aired its final show. The emotional sign-off marked the end of an era for both the network and basketball fans who have grown up with the iconic program.

An Emotional Farewell

“I’m proud to say for the last time, ‘Thanks for watching us. It’s the NBA on TNT,'” Johnson said, before turning his back to the camera, placing his microphone on the desk, and stepping away from the set for the final time. His co-hosts—Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley—joined in reflecting on the show’s legacy and their time together.

“Even though the name changes, the engine is still the same,” O’Neal remarked during the 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.”

A Shift in NBA Broadcasting

Beginning next season, ‘Inside the NBA’ will move to ESPN and ABC as part of the NBA’s new 11-year media rights deal worth at least $76 billion. The agreement not only retains games on ABC and ESPN but also brings the league back to NBC and introduces a new partnership with Amazon Prime Video.

NBA games will no longer air on TNT, ending a relationship that began when Turner Sports first acquired an NBA package in 1984. Games have been a staple on TNT since the network launched in 1988. The end of the Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks marked TNT’s final NBA broadcast.

Tributes from Around the League

The significance of the moment was not lost on those within the NBA community. Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, whose team had just clinched a spot in the NBA Finals, took a moment during the trophy ceremony to acknowledge TNT’s impact.

“Congratulations to TNT on a fabulous, unbelievable run that’s coming to an end,” Carlisle said, grabbing the microphone from Johnson. “We’re all very sad about that.”

Broadcasters and analysts past and present were honored during the final broadcast, including Doug Collins, Hubie Brown, Dick Stockton, Cheryl Miller, and the late Craig Sager.

Reflections from the Hosts

As the broadcast drew to a close, the hosts shared personal reflections on their journey. “This has just been a magnificent ride,” Kenny Smith expressed. Charles Barkley, reminiscing about his career, added, “I just want to say thank you to the NBA. Every coach I’ve had, every player I’ve played with, for giving me this magnificent life that I’ve had. I am so lucky and blessed. And I want to thank TNT. Even though we’ll never say TNT Sports again, I want to thank TNT for giving me a magnificent life.”

Looking Ahead

Many members of the TNT production crew have secured positions with NBC and Amazon, a testament to their exemplary work over the years. “Best production crew in the business, I might add,” Johnson noted.

While the platform may change, the camaraderie and spirit of ‘Inside the NBA’ are set to continue. “Our hearts are full of gratitude,” TNT’s Kevin Harlan said to viewers. “Not sadness, but gratitude and happiness for what has been. It has been an honor. It has been a privilege.”

As fans bid farewell to an institution, they can look forward to the next chapter of ‘Inside the NBA’ on new networks, carrying forward the legacy that has been built over nearly four decades.