Inside the NBA is covering the NBA Finals for the first time in the show’s history, with the iconic crew of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal handling pregame, halftime and postgame duties as the New York Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 championship series.
Quick Facts
- The Inside the NBA crew has been together for 15 years since 2011.
- Inside the NBA airs immediately following each Finals game on ESPN.
- The 2026 NBA Finals marks the first Finals appearance for the Knicks since 1999.
- This is the second Finals matchup between the Knicks and Spurs, who met in 1999.
The historic moment comes after Warner Brothers Discovery lost NBA broadcasting rights in 2024, but ESPN licensed the show to continue airing on its platforms. Warner Brothers Discovery still produces Inside the NBA, maintaining the show’s established format and chemistry.
Charles Barkley expressed enthusiasm about the milestone in recent interviews. “It’s going to be awesome,” Barkley said about working the Finals for the first time. “We were actually talking about it last week. The first time we’ve ever done the Finals. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The arrangement proved beneficial for basketball fans, as ESPN president Burke Magnus told media outlets that the partnership has “worked wonderfully.” The production crew and talent have collaborated seamlessly, with ESPN simply adding its logo to the broadcast desk while allowing the crew to deliver their signature analysis and commentary.
The Knicks secured their first Finals berth since 1999 after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Spurs earned their sixth NBA Finals appearance on ABC by advancing from the Western Conference. Game 1 saw the Knicks defeat the Spurs 105-95 on June 3 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.
Sources
- ESPN Press Room — confirmed Inside the NBA coverage details, crew members, and broadcast schedule for the 2026 NBA Finals.
- Sports Illustrated — reported on the historic first for Inside the NBA, the crew’s 15-year tenure together, and Charles Barkley’s comments about covering the Finals.
- NBA.com — provided information on the Knicks’ Finals appearance and Game 1 result.
