Overview
- ESPN announced on Oct. 1 that Inside the NBA will make 25 regular-season appearances on ESPN and ABC for the 2026-27 season.
- The network frontloaded the schedule with Opening Week on Oct. 21–22 and weekly appearances through the first four weeks to address last season’s sporadic early run.
- TNT Sports will continue to produce the program from its Atlanta studios under a licensing deal with ESPN after Warner Bros. Discovery lost national NBA rights.
- Charles Barkley has said the 2026-27 campaign is likely his final TV season and previously complained about the show’s infrequent airtime, making this expanded slate a potential farewell tour for viewers.
- ESPN placed the show in marquee windows such as Thanksgiving Eve, ABC primetime on Dec. 12, and Christmas Day, the playoff and Finals schedule will be announced later, and the change gives ESPN a steadier studio option around big NBA matchups.