Kenny Smith – What’s Really Going On with His Career and Contract in the 2025–26 NBA Media Era

Kenny Smith, best known on-air as “The Jet,” has long been a fixture in NBA studio television. But as the 2025–26 season approaches, his role and future are subject to renewed speculation. With major broadcast rights shifting, studio shows moving platforms, and new contracts being signed, fans and media watchers alike are asking: Is Kenny Smith leaving his longtime home? How is his contract structured? What does his future look like?

This article dives into the details of Kenny Smith’s recent contract developments, examines how the broadcast landscape around him is changing, and explores what this means for his career — and for sports-media watchers more broadly.

Kenny Smith’s Background & Rise to Media Prominence

Before dissecting his current contract, it helps to understand Kenny Smith’s media journey:

• A two-time NBA champion with the Houston Rockets (1994, 1995), Kenny transitioned from player to analyst.

• He joined the studio crew of Inside the NBA (broadcast originally on TNT/Turner) in the late 1990s and eventually became one of its most recognizable voices alongside Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.

• Over the years, the show earned high acclaim (including multiple Emmy Awards) for its blend of basketball insight, personality-driven commentary and entertainment.

• Kenny has maintained credibility not just because of his playing résumé but through his broadcasting skill-set: adept at breaking down game strategy, relatable in his style, and comfortable in studio banter.

Because of this foundation, any change in contract or role triggers interest — both from fans of the show and from those who follow industry media-deals.

The Changing Broadcast Landscape & Why It Matters

Kenny Smith’s career cannot be discussed in isolation — the environment around him is shifting significantly:

• The NBA’s national TV rights have been re-negotiated. The 2025–26 season marks the start of a new era in which platforms such as NBC Sports and Amazon Prime Video join or expand their NBA coverage.

• As part of that realignment, “Inside the NBA” is moving from its longtime broadcast home on TNT to airing on ESPN/ABC under a sublicensing agreement.

• While the show’s production remains with TNT Sports personnel, its distribution is shifting. For a talent such as Kenny Smith, that means his platform and perhaps his role are likely adjusting too.

• In recent months, there have been articles indicating that Kenny’s seat at the studio desk is not guaranteed or at least may be evolving. For example, speculation about Jalen Rose stepping into his spot appeared.

In other words: the show’s context is changing, and with it the career context for its on-air talent.

Kenny Smith’s Recent Contract Developments

Here are the headline points on Kenny Smith’s contract and media role changes:

• According to multiple outlets, Kenny Smith recently signed a multi-year agreement with ESPN, which expands his role beyond just “Inside the NBA” appearances. Under this deal, he is expected to appear on shows such as First Take, contribute to ESPN’s NBA coverage, and feature as an analyst on select live game broadcasts.

• This move strengthens ESPN’s basketball content offering by leveraging Kenny’s name, experience and familiarity with NBA audiences. It also ensures Kenny remains a high-visibility figure across platforms.

• Importantly: this deal does not signal that Kenny is leaving the studio show entirely — rather, it appears to reflect a broadened role aligned with the changing broadcast landscape.

• Some reports suggested Kenny might be “disheartened” by contract uncertainty at TNT/Inside the NBA. But this seems tied more to the wider network transitions than to an individual departure.

• As the show transitions to ESPN/ABC, the contract environment is in flux. Kenny’s new deal likely accounts for the new network architecture and for his value in multiple roles.

Overall: Kenny is not being cast aside, but he is adapting — the contract reflects an evolution, not an exit.

What This Means for “Inside the NBA” and Kenny’s Role

With the above context, let’s explore what the changes suggest for the show and for Kenny’s on-air role:

For the show:

• “Inside the NBA” retains much of its core talent (Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal) as it transitions to ESPN/ABC. That continuity is a strategic move to preserve the show’s brand identity despite the network shift.

• The production remains with the same crew but the broadcast platform changes — meaning reach, promotional support and audience expectations may differ.

• The industry speculation about new faces (e.g., Jalen Rose) suggests that even if Kenny remains, the ensemble, format or schedule might evolve.

For Kenny Smith:

• Kenny’s new multi-year ESPN deal suggests he will have expanded responsibilities: doing studio work on other shows, appearing on live‐game analysis, and perhaps being more versatile than before.

• His historic reputation and voice remain assets; but his role may be less anchored solely to one studio show, and more integrated across the network’s basketball content.

• This could be both an opportunity (more exposure) and a challenge (more demands, more appearances, perhaps less “home-base” identity).

• From a contract perspective: he appears to have secured his value in a changing marketplace rather than being left behind.

Why This Matters (and Why We Care)

You might ask: why are these contract moves so notable? Here are the key reasons:

• Brand & Audience Continuity: For longtime fans of “Inside the NBA,” changes to the cast or structure can feel disruptive. Keeping Kenny involved helps preserve the show’s identity.

• Media Rights Realignment: With networks investing billions in sports rights, on-air talent contracts reflect strategic shifts in how sports are presented and consumed. Kenny’s move is emblematic of that trend.

• Career Longevity for Talents: For former athletes turned analysts, maintaining relevance in studio shows often means adapting. Kenny’s shift shows how a beloved personality evolves with the business.

• Content Strategy & Platform Dynamics: Networks like ESPN are leaning into marquee personalities to anchor not just one show but entire franchises of content. Kenny’s contract indicates that analysts are now network assets, not just show assets.

In short: this is not just a contract story — it’s a snapshot of how sports media is evolving in 2025.

Potential Questions and What to Watch

Here are some questions fans and analysts may want to keep an eye on:

• Will Kenny continue to appear on “Inside the NBA” at the same frequency or in the same capacity as before? Some speculation suggests shifts.

• Will his new ESPN role elevate him to more national-game analysis (rather than just studio segments)? His contract hints at broader exposure.

• How will the show’s format adapt (slotting, location, audience engagement) when airing on ESPN/ABC vs. TNT? The network change may bring new production or scheduling changes.

• What impact will Kenny’s expanded role have on his personal brand, workload and on-air chemistry with his longtime co-hosts? Transitions can strain team dynamics.

• How will the broadcast rights landscape (with networks, streaming platforms, production splits) continue to affect on-air talent contracts? Kenny’s deal may represent a blueprint for analysts going forward.

Kenny Smith is far from leaving the spotlight — but he is entering a new phase. His recent multi-year deal with ESPN signals that he is adapting to the changing media ecosystem, securing expanded roles beyond his studio-show home. For fans, this means that “Inside the NBA” will likely look and feel familiar, but behind the scenes the business is evolving.
In the grand scheme, Kenny’s contract is a case study in how analysts are navigating career longevity amid sports-broadcast upheaval. If you’re a fan of the Jet, you’re likely in for more appearances, perhaps different formats, and a continued presence in basketball media for years to come.