Inside the NBA enhances ESPN's NBA Finals coverage success
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 3:33 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
ESPN has successfully integrated Inside the NBA into its NBA Finals coverage, which began on June 10. The program, featuring analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, has achieved significant viewership increases. Initial reports show a 173% rise in viewership for the NBA Tipoff compared to last year’s NBA Countdown episode. This collaboration follows a media trade that brought the popular show to ESPN after TNT lost its NBA rights. ESPN and ABC will continue to air the series during the Finals, which has transformed their pregame show into a highly regarded viewing experience.
- •ESPN's coverage of the NBA Finals began on June 10.
- •Inside the NBA's debut brought a 173% increase in viewership.
- •The show features analysts previously limited to NBA TV during Finals.
- •ESPN traded college sports rights for the Inside the NBA program.
- •The collaboration maintains TNT's production control over the show.
- 3:33 PMYahoo Sports — Burke Magnus: ‘Inside the NBA’ Was ESPN’s ‘Missing Piece’
"ESPN has been thrilled with the studio show’s NBA Finals debut.
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