Overview
- Inside the NBA returned on Jan. 24 after sparse early‑season use that saw roughly four to five appearances across three months.
- On air, Charles Barkley rejected claims that ESPN or the NBA suppressed the show, saying the light schedule was planned months in advance.
- ESPN has scheduled 15 episodes through the rest of the regular season and plans shoulder programming on every playoff night.
- FS1’s Colin Cowherd had speculated—while stressing it was conjecture—that ESPN limited the show to appease commissioner Adam Silver.
- Under an 11‑year deal, ESPN/ABC distributes Inside the NBA while TNT Sports continues producing the show in Atlanta; Barkley’s return included a jokey jab at Wizards‑Hornets fans that drew mixed reactions.