Longtime Inside the NBA broadcaster Ernie Johnson announced on Wednesday his intent to retire from the program at the end of the 2026-27 season.
Johnson, a beloved talent who has manned the desk on the program since 1990, cited a desire to spend more time with family amid recent health struggles as part of why he plans to depart the program.
"It's just time," Johnson said in his announcement video about why he's stepping away, a decision he said was made on his own accord.
We're not sure who will take Johnson's place on the desk, but he said he will still be involved with TNT and CBS, particularly during March Madness.
It’s time.
— Ernie Johnson (@TurnerSportsEJ) October 28, 2026
🤟🤟🏾🤟🏻🤟🏽 pic.twitter.com/h1qNwsnkUY
Johnson is a broadcasting legend, and his retirement from Inside the NBA will
absolutely change the tenor of the program.
Will Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith want to stay with the program with Johnson leaving by season's end? That's now the biggest question facing the flagship NBA program.
Who could replace Johnson?
We're not sure, but Adam Lefkoe might be the in-house frontrunner given his NBA broadcasting duties at TNT.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Ernie Johnson is stepping away from 'Inside the NBA' after banner run
