“Thank you, Ice. For everything,” said Maverick in Top Gun: Maverick to Val Kilmer’s character, Iceman. Those lines echo painfully today, as we collectively mourn the loss of Kilmer, who passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. His death marks the end of an era for many, but the cinematic legacy he left behind will continue to inspire and entertain generations. Kilmer’s work remains a cornerstone of film history, from his iconic role as Iceman in Top Gun to his unforgettable portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone.

In the latest episode of The Steam Room, Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley took a moment to reflect on their journey as season 6 came to a close. Although there has been no official announcement about season 7, they expressed gratitude for everyone who contributed to the show. Amidst the farewells, Barkley acknowledged a personal loss that struck him deeply.

With visible emotion, Barkley paid tribute in his own unfiltered, genuine way on the final episode: “Never met Val Kilmer, but man, I love watching him. I really enjoyed watching him in Maverick. One of my favorite westerns was when he was Doc Holliday. So, to the family of Val Kilmer—what a tremendous actor. Passed away too soon. But I had to acknowledge… what was he in Maverick? I forgot his character’s name. It was a great name. Iceman, yeah, in Top Gun. Iceman was so iconic. And so, rest in peace.” It was raw, unscripted, and honest—Barkley spoke not as a broadcaster, but as a fan.

But this last episode, of May 11, 2025, of The Steam Room, hit harder than usual, not just because Chuck quietly acknowledged the loss of Val Kilmer, but it rang like a final buzzer on 25 years of shared history. The sadness wasn’t just about one person—it was about a whole chapter closing. Inside the NBA wasn’t just a show; it was a 25-year bond between fans and four guys who made basketball personal, hilarious, and human.

‘Inside the NBA’ finds a new home

“I was thinking about last night, when they gave us the rings… they are beautiful and special,” Barkley said on what was the final The Steam Room under NBA on TNT. It was emotional, raw, and classic Chuck. “I want to thank everybody involved, especially Craig, Luis, and Nate… I just want to thank everybody on the show who worked here for the last 25 years.” Then came the line that hit hardest: “First of all, we have no idea what the hell going to happen next year, which is interesting and funny.” That unknown future loomed over the farewell set, and it was the most honest moment of the night.

That mystery clouding the future of Inside the NBA? It’s got a name now: ESPN. Yep, ESPN is officially taking the reins next season. Starting in 2025–26, Inside the NBA will air on both ESPN and ABC, thanks to a wild twist in the league’s new $76 billion media rights deal. Warner Bros. Discovery—the parent company of TNT Sports—actually sued the NBA after the league rejected its attempt to match one of the packages in its new 11-year media rights deal, which will begin with the 2025-26 season.. That lawsuit got settled, and the result? ESPN gets Inside the NBA, while ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon lock down the league’s nationally televised games through 2036.

Except when the show goes on the road, TNT Sports will continue to independently produce Inside the NBA from its Atlanta-based studios over the term of the agreement. So, before anyone panics—no, ESPN’s not rebooting the show. It’s still Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal. Yes, Barkley’s 10-year, $210 million TNT deal stays put. ESPN isn’t taking over the show—it’s licensing it. This is Barkley on his terms. And as Chuck said, it’s funny, it’s weird—and nobody really knows what’s next. But if this was goodbye to the TNT version, it was loud, grateful, and Barkley to the bone.

Whether under TNT or ESPN, Inside the NBA has been a staple of sports broadcasting for over two decades. With Barkley and the crew continuing to do their thing, fans can rest assured that the show’s authenticity and charm will remain intact, even as the game around them shifts.