"Lowkey a W": Fans react to ESPN producing a RedZone-like show for the NBA
ESPN is reportedly planning to produce an NBA show similar to NFL RedZone, where fans can enjoy live action from multiple games simultaneously, focusing on moments when teams are in the "red zone," the area within 20 yards of the opponent's end zone. Fans are enthusiastic about the idea.
ESPN recently secured a landmark 11-year media rights deal with the NBA and WNBA, set to commence in the 2025-26 season and run through the 2035-36 season. According to a press release, ESPN obtained “rights to launch new NBA studio show featuring whip-around coverage on game nights,” which is similar to NFL RedZone coverage.
“Rights include highlighting live action from around the league with real-time highlights and live cut-ins,” the ESPN press release said.
“In addition to whip-around coverage of the night’s games, the show will also include segments focused on different aspects of basketball, including culture and fashion, player arrivals, produced features and breakdowns from ESPN’s leading analysts.”
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are supportive of the idea, viewing the move as a win despite their earlier criticism of the new media deal, which signals the end of NBA on TNT and Inside the NBA.
“Lowkey a W,” @spomuse said.
“NBA lowkey cooking,” @BronGotGame said.
“Okay this is the only W outta this deal,” @Crumbletakes said.
“Redzone is the most game changing sports broadcast of all time hands down. Every sports league has been trying to recreate it,” added @I_Am_BS03.
Here are other reactions to the news:
What is special about NFL RedZone?
Launched in 2009, NFL RedZone, hosted by Scott Hanson, offers "whip-around" coverage, allowing fans to watch live action from multiple games simultaneously, especially when teams are in the "red zone"—within 20 yards of the opponent's end zone.
This program enables fans to see every touchdown and significant play from various games without the usual interruptions of standard broadcasts.
The coverage uses a split-screen format, sometimes featuring up to eight games at once, ensuring viewers do not miss critical moments across the league.
The NBA has introduced its version of the show, called "NBA CrunchTime." It provides coverage of the NBA, offering look-ins on every close finish around the league without the hassle of flipping between games.
However, the show is available exclusively on the NBA App. Additionally, NBA CrunchTime was only live for about 50 nights during the 2023-24 season.