ESPN Will Continue To Produce 'NBA Countdown', 'NBA Today' Despite Acquiring 'Inside The NBA'

[RealGM Wiretap]

ESPN will continue to produce "NBA Countdown" and "NBA Today" despite its deal to license "Inside The NBA" from TNT.

The show will appear on ESPN and ABC surrounding high-profile live events, including ESPN's pregame, halftime and postgame coverage of the NBA Finals on ABC, conference finals, NBA playoffs, all ABC games after Jan. 1, Christmas Day, opening week, the final week of the season and other marquee live events.

"Inside the NBA is universally recognized as one of the best and most culturally impactful shows in sports," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. "We have long admired the immensely talented team and are thrilled to add their chemistry and knowledge to our robust set of NBA studio offerings to super-serve NBA fans like never before. The addition of Inside the NBA further solidifies ESPN as the preeminent destination for sports fans."

Via ESPN

[WaltFrazier]

Too bad. ESPN pregame and halftime show with Malika and crew are so bad, they should just be erased

[pushfloater]

We just tolerate that crew because we like the sport...

[chilluminati]

ESPN loves trash content, and this keeps that boat afloat.

[Pickled Prunes]

I think it's interesting how strong the feelings are (pro or con) about Inside. I wanted TNT to keep the NBA because it is is easy to access. The crew was fine.

[jefe]

How long until ESPN looks at the ratings each program draws on its network and then significantly minimizes or outright axes NBA Countdown?