For nearly 40 years, Inside the NBA has been a cornerstone of basketball broadcasting. The beloved TNT crew, Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, have entertained and informed fans with their unique mix of humor, insight, and genuine chemistry.
But on Saturday night, that unforgettable run came to an emotional close. Following the conclusion of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers, the TNT broadcast team signed off for the final time. With evident emotion in his voice, Ernie Johnson delivered a heartfelt farewell.
“But I’m proud to say for the last time. Thanks for watching us. It’s been the NBA on TNT,” he said.
Inside the NBA mic drop —
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 1, 2025
It’s really over. 😕
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
pic.twitter.com/A3m7J0cRYq
It officially ended an era that began when the network started airing games back in 1988. The torch now passes to ABC, which will air the upcoming NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Fans Reflect Emotionally On The End Of Inside the NBA On TNT
The news that NBA games will no longer be aired on TNT starting next season hit home for fans who had grown up watching Inside the NBA. Social media lit up with tributes, nostalgia, and appreciation for a show that had become a fixture of the NBA experience.
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“End of an era,” one fan simply wrote.
End of an era 🐐
— LaJoie de Vivre (@StadiumThrills) June 1, 2025
Another wrote, “What an era man. Legendary time.”
What an era man
— Crumbletakes (@Crumbletakes) June 1, 2025
Legendary time
Some fans highlighted the emotional toll of the transition.
“Inside the NBA gone but not forgotten,” read one comment.
inside the nba gone but not forgotten 💔
— desire (@dgsire) June 1, 2025
Another added, “The NBA just lost the best broadcasting network in its history. Basketball died a little today.”
The NBA just lost the best broadcasting network in its history. Basketball died a little today💔
— Dami (@KingDami5299) June 1, 2025
One especially heartfelt tribute read, “Exemplary run. The best to ever do these,”
Exemplary run. The best to ever do these.
— Lubanga Geoffrey 🇰🇪 (@GradCraftsman) June 1, 2025
Though their time on TNT has ended, the Inside the NBA team isn’t disappearing entirely. ESPN acquired the rights to the show in a landmark deal made back in November. Ernie, Shaq, Kenny, and Chuck will continue to bring their magic to the screen, just from a new home.
Also Read: Ernie Johnson Leaves Everyone In Stitches As Even AI Mistakes Him For Being ‘Black’
