Plot Synopsis

This storytelling franchise provides a forum for content on topics occurring on and off the court of play. The show's format intertwines features with conversation from voices in sports.

THE ARENA debuted in July 2020, leading up to the restart of the 2019-20 NBA season after the league took a break because of COVID-19 restrictions. The premiere week, July 20-24, is a series of one-hour shows (nightly at 8pm ET, except for a 10pm airing on July 22) -- airing live from a custom set at WarnerMedia Studios in Atlanta -- and focus on multiple cinematic features per episode bookended by thoughtful and poignant conversations from the opinionated panel of host Cari Champion, NBA icon Dwyane Wade, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley and NBA Champion Draymond Green. The five-part initiative also includes contributions from leading voices in sports and entertainment, such as renowned journalist Jemele Hill, rapper and activist Killer Mike, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Lesley Chilcott, and more. THE ARENA continues throughout the remainder of the NBA regular season and playoffs with new episodes centered on current events.

THE ARENA returned with new stories and conversations around the game, featuring Cari Champion, Draymond Green and Isiah Thomas starting Friday, September 18, 2020 at 7pm ET on TNT. New installments debut ahead of Games 1-4 of the NBA Western Conference Final.

On Monday, January 17, 2022 at 2:30pm ET/11:30am PT, TNT premiered "The Arena: MLK Day," a one-hour program during which Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson lead a conversational roundtable on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and how today's leaders are shaping and guiding the future.