Overview
- On Saturday’s broadcast, Charles Barkley rejected claims that ESPN or the NBA sidelined Inside the NBA, saying the sparse early schedule was set months ago.
- Earlier in the week he complained about the show’s limited airtime since its move, noting only one December appearance on Christmas Day and few shows overall.
- Colin Cowherd offered an unconfirmed theory that ESPN buried the program to appease commissioner Adam Silver, which Barkley forcefully dismissed.
- ESPN plans increased usage beginning now, with about 15 shows slated through mid-April and expanded shoulder programming around All-Star, the playoffs, and the NBA Finals on ABC.
- Under an 11-year agreement, ESPN/ABC handle distribution while TNT Sports continues producing the show from its Atlanta studios.