It’s the end of a TNT era.
With the Indiana Pacers securing a Game 6 win against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Final, that put an end to NBA on TNT.
“Gratitude is the operative word for me,” Ernie Johnson said after the game. “Grateful that since 1989 I’ve been with this company. No matter what you call the company, I’ll always be Turner. I’m grateful that I’ve worked with you guys, I’m grateful for all of the relationships we’ve built professionally and personally through the years.”
NBA games will no longer air on TNT beginning in the 2025-26 season. The league signed an 11-year media rights deal with Disney, NBC and Amazon. The deal — rumored to be worth at least $76 million — will keep games on ESPN and ABC.
Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal will remain with “Inside the NBA” — on the air with TNT since 1989 — when it moves to ESPN.
“Even though the name changes, the engine is still the same,” O’Neal said. “And to that new network we’re coming to, we’re not coming to (expletive) around. ... We’re taking over, OK? I love you guys and I appreciate you guys.”
Barkley originally was going to step away from television after TNT lost its media rights, but he will remain with his longtime TNT co-workers as the four-man crew shifts to ESPN despite voicing concerns.
“To ESPN, it’s going to be an honor and a privilege to work for you guys, you are the No. 1 sports network in history,” Barkley said. “And I’m excited for it; you’ve got some tremendous talents over there, and I’m looking forward to co-working with those guys.”
“Inside the NBA” will handle pregame, halftime and postgame coverage of the NBA Finals on ABC, conference finals and the NBA Playoffs. During the regular season, it will be part of opening week coverage, as well as Christmas Day, all ABC games after Jan. 1, the final week of the season and other marquee events.
The Associated Press contributed to this article