NBA on TNT Bids Farewell: ‘Thanks for Watching’

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    Ernie Johnson struggled to find the words to express his emotions.

    After nearly 40 years as a cornerstone of basketball broadcasting, “Inside the NBA” concluded its run on TNT on a Saturday night. The beloved show will transfer to ESPN and ABC next season, maintaining its dynamic team of Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, with most broadcasts still emanating from Atlanta. However, the final farewell on TNT was a poignant event.

    “I’m proud to say for the last time, ‘Thanks for watching us. It’s the NBA on TNT,'” Johnson announced, before turning his back to the camera, laying down his microphone, and stepping away from the set for the last time.

    Starting next season, NBA games will no longer be part of TNT’s lineup due to the league’s new 11-year media rights agreement, worth at least $76 billion. This landmark deal ensures games will continue on ABC and ESPN, marks the NBA’s return to NBC, and initiates a new partnership with Amazon Prime Video.

    With ABC set to broadcast the NBA Finals, the conclusion of the Eastern Conference finals between Indiana and New York symbolized the end of TNT’s era. Turner Sports first gained NBA broadcast rights in 1984, and games have been a staple on TNT since the network’s 1988 debut.

    “Even though the name changes, the engine is still the same,” O’Neal remarked during the farewell show. “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.”

    Indiana’s coach, Rick Carlisle, recognized the significance of the moment. After his team secured a place in the NBA Finals by defeating New York, his brief interview with Johnson during the trophy ceremony turned into an impromptu tribute when Carlisle seized the microphone.

    “Congratulations to TNT on a fabulous, unbelievable run that’s coming to an end,” Carlisle said, expressing sentiments shared by many. “We’re all very sad about that.”

    During the broadcast, tributes poured in for numerous past and present broadcasters and analysts, such as Doug Collins, Hubie Brown, Dick Stockton, Cheryl Miller, Danny Ainge, John Thompson, Steve Kerr, Mike Fratello, Marv Albert, Brian Anderson, Chris Webber, Candace Parker, and Craig Sager.

    “Our hearts are full of gratitude,” expressed TNT’s Kevin Harlan to the audience. “Not sadness, but gratitude and happiness for what has been. It has been an honor. It has been a privilege. And I hope you all have enjoyed it as much as we have.”

    Harlan had the play-by-play duties for the final broadcast, joined by Reggie Miller, Stan Van Gundy, and Allie LaForce.

    Reflecting on his career, Miller mused, “Think about my life. I’m very fortunate. I’ve only known two things: 18 years with one franchise in this building with the Indiana Pacers, and 19 years with Turner.”

    Johnson noted that many from the TNT production team have secured roles with NBC and Amazon, attributing their new opportunities to their outstanding work. “Best production crew in the business, I might add,” Johnson stated.

    As the “Inside the NBA” team came together for one last time on TNT, emotions were undeniably visible.

    “This has just been a magnificent ride,” Smith reflected.

    Barkley reminisced about nearly starting his broadcasting journey with NBC before opting for TNT. “I just want to say thank you to the NBA,” Barkley shared. “Every coach I’ve had, every player I’ve played with, for giving me this magnificent life that I’ve had. I am so lucky and blessed. I’m lucky and blessed. And I want to thank TNT. Even though we’ll never say TNT Sports again, I want to thank TNT for giving me a magnificent life.”