FOX Sports Radio host Colin Cowherd is raising eyebrows across the sports media landscape after suggesting that ESPN’s use of Inside the NBA during its first year under the network’s umbrella may not be accidental. Following comments from Inside the NBA commentator Charles Barkley about wishing the program would have been on more in 2025, Cowherd hinted that the decision could reflect a quieter understanding between ESPN and the NBA.
Speaking on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the veteran broadcaster framed his comments carefully, repeatedly labeling them as conjecture rather than confirmed reporting. Still, the theory resonated because it touches on a familiar tension between leagues and the media partners who depend on access while also driving conversation.
“My feeling is, this is just conjecture. Is that ESPN has a great relationship with the NBA, and they said, Yeah, we’ll bring that show over. You won’t see it as much. Put it on the shelf a little bit,” explained Cowherd hinting that ESPN may be potentially attempting to cater to its partner.
While Cowherd stopped short of alleging direct pressure, he implied that the arrangement could be mutually understood rather than contractually mandated.
“You have these new deals, and there’s a lot of understandings that don’t have to be contractual,” said Cowherd. “David Stern didn’t like when people were critical of the NBA either. They’re very sensitive in the NBA.”
Beyond strategy, Cowherd questioned whether Inside the NBA still carries the same weight it once did. The show, long praised for its chemistry and unfiltered humor, previously felt unavoidable in NBA media coverage. Cowherd argued that its cultural presence has diminished, describing it as far less visible now than during its peak years.
“It felt very big at one time, and now it’s invisible. So I don’t know. I’m just saying conjecture,” said Cowherd.
The most pointed portion of Cowherd’s remarks focused on how the show’s tone has historically landed with NBA leadership. Cowherd referenced items he’s heard, over time, that some executives within the league office were uncomfortable with how Inside the NBA lampooned the league and, at times, individual players.
“There were people upstairs in the NBA office that didn’t like how they lampooned the league, and some of the players,” said Cowherd although not specifying any names. “NFL shows don’t make fun of the players. Why are we making fun of the players? I heard that before.”
That sensitivity, Cowherd added, is not new. He also suggested that figures closely associated with Inside the NBA, including Charles Barkley, may not fully see why the show’s role appears reduced. Cowherd argued that modern media deals often come with informal understandings that never appear on paper but still influence programming decisions.
Neither ESPN nor the NBA has publicly addressed Cowherd’s speculation. Inside the NBA is slated to return Saturday with three dates remaining in January. The program has only aired five times since the start of the 2025-2026 season.
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