ESPN Seeks More Regular ‘Inside the NBA’ Schedule Under TNT Pact

ESPN cites licensing limits that push most TNT studio shows past January.

Overview

ESPN content chief Burke Magnus said the network expects offseason talks with TNT Sports to create a steadier cadence for TNT-produced NBA studio shows on ESPN.
Magnus confirmed the license caps ESPN’s allotment of shows and requires the vast majority to air after January 1.
The TNT-produced studio shows ran alongside ESPN games in three of the first four weeks, followed by a roughly ten-week gap with only a Christmas Day appearance.
Inside the NBA is scheduled to begin a two-month run on January 24, with multiple episodes most weeks.
On nights without Inside the NBA, ESPN airs NBA Countdown without Stephen A. Smith in a regular role, and the new lead booth of Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson and Tim Legler will work exclusively on ESPN games this season.