NBA’s new TV deal transforms basketball viewing with fresh streaming platforms, star-studded analyst teams, expanded weekly games, and a focus on celebrating the game over drama.
NBA’s latest TV deal shows NBC/Peacock and Amazon Prime Video aiming to deliver a style that clearly differs from the iconic “Inside The NBA” program. This shift in sports media coverage marks a significant change in the landscape of NBA TV.
The renowned show led by Charles Barkley is moving from TNT to ESPN. Known for its bold analysts, particularly Barkley’s straightforward and critical approach, it has established a lasting reputation in the world of sports broadcasting.
Dirk Nowitzki during Champions for Charity at BayArena, Leverkusen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany on 2019-07-21, Photo: Sven Mandel
Sven Mandel, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Barkley stands out as one of television’s top studio analysts due to his willingness to critique everyone while using humor to convey his points. His appeal was so strong that both NBC and Amazon considered adding him to their roster once TNT’s NBA contract concluded.
Fans have grown to love the chemistry between Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, who keep viewers engaged with their banter and strong opinions rather than in-depth basketball analysis. Similar to ESPN’s reliance on Stephen A. Smith across multiple shows, “Inside the NBA” prioritizes entertainment over game analysis.
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As the NBA’s new premium broadcast partners for the 2025-26 season, NBC and Amazon aim to match the authenticity and cultural impact of “Inside the NBA” while placing a greater emphasis on the game itself. Their approach to this NBA TV deal is straightforward: celebrate more and criticize less.
Steve Nash
Photo credit: Mwinog2777, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
For studio coverage, both networks are bringing in big names. Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service has signed Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, and Dwyane Wade, while NBC’s Peacock streaming platform has recruited Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter. This roster represents a younger generation compared to the seasoned team of Barkley, O’Neal, and Smith, who are in their fifties and sixties.
NBC is looking to revive its NBA broadcasting legacy from 1990 to 2002. The network has secured Michael Jordan for special appearances, including a pre-recorded interview with Mike Tirico set to air during halftime of the Houston-Oklahoma City opener. They’re also bringing back the fan-favorite NBA theme song, “Roundball Rock” by John Tesh.
Amazon is taking a more modern approach, with Griffin set to become the star of its studio show alongside host Taylor Rooks. This shift towards streaming platforms reflects the changing landscape of sports media coverage.
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While these new pre- and post-game programs may take time to resonate with audiences, the main broadcasting teams for both networks appear poised for success, thanks to their exceptional play-by-play announcers.
Amazon has recruited Ian Eagle, widely regarded as the top basketball commentator in the industry, as their lead announcer. Eagle is already well-known for his role as the CBS Men’s Final Four voice, one of college basketball’s highest honors.
Kevin Harlan, a longtime staple at TNT, will join Amazon’s play-by-play team. He’ll be working alongside Michael Grady, a rising star who rounds out Amazon’s impressive broadcasting lineup.
NBC sees no need to alter its current play-calling roster, which remains solid at the top. Mike Tirico, the cornerstone of NBC’s sports broadcasts, has the ability to breathe life into even the most routine games. He appears ready to return to NBA coverage, much like he did during his tenure at ESPN. Noah Eagle, their secondary announcer, has followed in the footsteps of his father, Ian Eagle. At just 28 years old, he has already established himself as a skilled broadcaster, having called the men’s basketball gold medal game at last year’s Paris Olympics.
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Both NBC and Amazon have assembled familiar analyst teams. Stan Van Gundy will handle duties for Prime Video streaming, while Reggie Miller will contribute his insights to NBC’s broadcasts.
Regarding schedules, the NBA has adeptly navigated the modern digital landscape. The league has secured $76 billion over 11 seasons from ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video. However, this new NBA TV deal means fans will need three separate subscriptions to access all aired games. ABC retains the prestigious right to broadcast the NBA Finals.
The NBA has expanded its national TV presence by creating a full week of broadcast games. This includes Peacock’s Monday broadcasts and NBC’s innovative Tuesday double-headers. NBC will air the 8 p.m. ET game for Eastern and Central time zones, while Peacock simultaneously streams it to viewers in the Mountain and Pacific regions. For the late game at 11 p.m. ET, the roles reverse, with Peacock handling the broadcast for Eastern and Central areas, and NBC focusing on Western audiences.
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This approach enhances Peacock’s value for dedicated sports fans while maintaining accessibility for casual viewers. It successfully balances wide availability with revenue generation through digital platforms and direct-to-consumer streaming.
Post-NFL season, the NBA plans to leverage audience tune-in habits from shows like “Thursday Night Football” and “Sunday Night Football” to promote basketball alternatives. Amazon will stream “Thursday Night Basketball,” while NBC introduces “Sunday Night Basketball.” ESPN reduces its regular-season game coverage from 100 to 80, maintaining its usual Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday slots. Amazon Prime will now include Friday and Saturday games in its lineup, further expanding the availability of prime time games.
Although this packed weekly schedule may seem complex at first, loyal NBA fans should adjust to the new broadcast territory by the following season. The shift from traditional broadcast methods to streaming platforms reflects the changing landscape of sports viewership.
The three networks will share playoff game coverage until the Finals. ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video will each broadcast postseason matchups, but ABC will continue to hold exclusive rights to The Finals. Tim Legler will replace Doris Burke in the main broadcast booth, joining Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson.
ESPN has introduced a new segment featuring Legler breaking down plays with NBA coaches. This change shifts the focus from drama to game strategy, signalling a potential evolution in NBA broadcasts moving forward. These innovations in on-screen features aim to enhance the viewing experience for fans across all platforms, including those using NBA League Pass for out-of-market games.
As the NBA continues to adapt to the digital age, the balance between traditional broadcasts and streaming services will likely continue to evolve, reshaping how fans engage with the sport and potentially impacting local TV rights in the future.
Source:
Andrew Marchand (Oct. 21, 2025). Introducing the NBA’s new TV landscape: NBC is back, Amazon debuts and ‘Inside’ moves over. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6733869/2025/10/21/nba-amazon-nbc-espn-schedule/
Header Image:
Dirk Nowitzki during Champions for Charity at BayArena, Leverkusen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany on 2019-07-21, Photo: Sven Mandel
Sven Mandel, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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