More massive changes are coming to the flagship iconic broadcast show “Inside the NBA.”
Long-time host Ernie Johnson announced Wednesday, Oct. 28, in a video message posted to his social media channel that the 2026-27 season, which began last week, will be his last with the show.
“You know I’ve been hosting ‘Inside the NBA’ for a long time — this is my 37th year,” Johnson said. “I’ve long described it as a ‘get to job,’ still amazed that I get to do this for a living. As the years have gone by, and I turned 70 this past summer, folks have asked me: ‘So how long are you going to keep doing Inside?’ Well I want to take a couple of minutes of your time to answer that.
“This will be my last season. Totally my decision. It’s just time.”
Johnson said
that he was not retiring from broadcasting, “but just cutting back.” He said he would continue to host March Madness and other projects with TNT and CBS. Johnson also said he just started a new production company.
Ernie Johnson leaving "Inside the NBA"
“So this is by no mean the end,” Johnson said. “It’s just a turning of the page. And I’ll forever cherish every chapter we have written at ‘Inside the NBA.’ ”
Johnson is a six-time Sports Emmy Award winner and has anchored the show, which also includes former NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith.
“So, why now? Total honesty here: I’ve always prided myself on my preparation, the hours I put in every day, getting ready for the next show,” Johnson said. “I’ve always loved that part of my job. But I’ve always vowed that if that ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, I’ll know it’s time to step away. And now after 37 seasons, it’s time.”
Johnson also cited his health and family as additional reasons for his decision.
“And there’s something else, and I’ll just call it a contributing factor,” he continued. “For nearly two years, I’ve dealt with hard issues, had bypass surgery 14 months ago. Still trying to get this (heart) to beat exactly the way it should, and we’re getting there. I feel great, so this isn’t a case where my doctor said: ‘You need to stop working,’ it’s nothing like that. But here’s the deal, going through that, has made me treasure even more every second with my amazing wife of 44 years, Cheryl Ann and being ‘poppy’ to our five grandchildren, so I just want to slow down a bit, spend more time enjoying that.”
The show moved last season from TNT to ESPN after Turner Sports’ media rights deal with the NBA expired. It has won 21 Sports Emmys since it launched.
“It has been an honor to share so many nights — decades actually — at the desk with my brothers, Kenny, Charles and Shaq and with our production crews who are so talented and devoted. And I so appreciate the leadership at TNT and ESPN for allowing the show to continue.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ernie Johnson makes major ‘Inside the NBA’ announcement, 'It's just time'
