Ernie Johnson will bring his run as host of Inside the NBA to a close after the 2026-27 season, ending a remarkable chapter in sports broadcasting that has spanned more than three decades.
The 70-year-old Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer announced his decision in a social media video Wednesday, emphasizing that the move was his choice and that he was ready to spend more time with his family.
“It's just time,” Johnson said, explaining that he was not leaving the profession entirely but wanted to reduce his workload.
“Just to be clear, I'm not retiring,” Johnson added. “Just cutting back. ... So this is by no means the end. It's just a turning of the page. And I'll forever cherish every chapter we have written with ‘Inside the NBA.’”
Health and Family Helped Shape His Decision
Johnson acknowledged that health challenges involving his heart in recent years had influenced his perspective. He said he was doing well but had come to recognize the importance of slowing down and making more room for his family.
“I just want to slow down a bit,” he said.
Although his time as the face of Inside the NBA is coming to an end, Johnson plans to remain active in sports media. His future work will include coverage of the NCAA men's basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports.
His announcement marks a major moment for one of basketball television's most recognizable personalities, whose steady presence has helped define the show's identity through decades of NBA coverage.
Jimmy Pitaro Praises Johnson's Legacy
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Johnson's impact on sports television, highlighting his role in building Inside the NBA into one of the industry's most celebrated studio programs.
“Ernie Johnson is one of sports media's most respected and beloved figures,” Pitaro said in a statement.
“For more than three decades, he has been the heart of ‘Inside the NBA,’ helping create one of the most iconic and entertaining studio shows in sports. We are grateful for Ernie's extraordinary contributions and look forward to celebrating him throughout the season.”
Johnson joined Turner Sports in 1989 and began hosting Inside the NBA in 1990. Since then, the program has developed a distinctive identity through a combination of basketball analysis, humor and unscripted exchanges among its hosts.
The current lineup features Johnson alongside Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal. Over the years, the show has collected more than 20 Sports Emmy Awards, establishing itself as a leading name in sports studio television.
The program moved from TNT Sports to ESPN and ABC beginning last season, extending its run under a new broadcasting arrangement.
Charles Barkley Gets Emotional During Tribute
Johnson's announcement brought an emotional response from Barkley during Wednesday night's broadcast.
Barkley, who has worked alongside Johnson for years, described his colleague as the show's unquestioned leader and praised his character away from the cameras.
“It's been an amazing journey,” Barkley said.
“You've been our unquestionable leader. ... The question I'm probably asked the most is: Is Ernie Johnson as good as a person as he seems? And I say, man, he's better than that.”
Barkley thanked Johnson for his leadership and acknowledged how difficult it was to hear the news, even though he had known the decision was coming.
“So I just want to say thank you, thank you for being our leader for all these years. Even though I knew it was coming, it's still hard, brother,” Barkley said.
The exchange underscored Johnson's importance to a program often remembered for its outspoken personalities and entertaining debates. His role has extended beyond introducing segments and guiding discussions; he has also served as the central figure connecting the show's different personalities.
Barkley Has Also Indicated He Could Leave
Johnson is not the only member of the Inside the NBA team who has signaled that his time on the program may be nearing its end.
Barkley has previously said the 2026-27 season would also be his final one on the show. However, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer has reversed similar decisions in the past and returned to the studio, leaving some uncertainty about whether he will follow through this time.
For now, Johnson's announcement confirms that the familiar lineup is approaching a significant transition. The future of the program beyond the current season will be closely watched by fans who have followed the hosts for years.
One More Season to Celebrate a Broadcasting Icon
Inside the NBA is scheduled to make 25 regular-season appearances on ESPN during the 2026-27 campaign, with additional coverage throughout the playoffs and NBA Finals.
That schedule will give viewers another season with Johnson guiding the conversations and working alongside Barkley, Smith and O'Neal before his departure as host.
After more than 35 years with Turner Sports and a tenure at the center of one of basketball's most influential studio shows, Johnson is choosing to step back on his own terms.
His decision is not a farewell to sports broadcasting altogether. Instead, it marks a shift toward a lighter schedule, continued tournament coverage and more time with family.
For Inside the NBA, however, the end of Johnson's hosting run will mark the close of an era built on basketball knowledge, humor and the chemistry of a group that helped change the way fans experience NBA coverage.
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