Ernie Johnson ends 37-year 'Inside the NBA' run after 2026-27 season

Key points

• Ernie Johnson announced on October 28, 2026, that the 2026-27 season will be his final year hosting 'Inside the NBA', marking the end of a 37-year tenure.
• Johnson, 70, cited heart issues, including bypass surgery 14 months ago, as a contributing factor, though he noted his doctor did not order him to stop working.
• He emphasized that the decision is personal, driven by a desire to slow down and spend more time with his wife of 44 years, Cheryl, and his five grandchildren.
• Johnson clarified he is not retiring from broadcasting; he will continue to work on March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS.
• He recently launched a production company called 32 Bowties, focused on highlighting feel-good stories in sports.

Background

Johnson’s departure concludes a long era in sports broadcasting. The show moved from TNT to ESPN and ABC for the 2025-26 season. His announcement follows a period of significant changes in sports media, including other high-profile retirements and apologies in the industry, such as Stephen A. Smith’s recent apology regarding Lane Johnson’s mental health retirement. Johnson’s career spans decades, including hosting the NBA Finals and NCAA championships.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel both reported the announcement based on Johnson’s video statement, agreeing on the core facts: the final season, health issues, and family priorities. The Journal Sentinel added biographical details about Johnson’s Milwaukee roots and his father’s baseball career. TNT Sports praised Johnson as the 'heart and soul' of the network. The ESPN source was inaccessible due to a 403 error, so no additional perspective from that outlet could be synthesized. All available sources agree that Johnson is not fully retiring but is stepping back from the daily grind of 'Inside the NBA'.

Why it matters

Johnson’s departure marks the end of a 37-year era in NBA broadcasting, a show that has won 19 Sports Emmys. His decision highlights the physical and mental toll of daily sports broadcasting, particularly for veteran hosts. It also signals a shift in the show’s future, as co-host Charles Barkley has also indicated he will retire at the end of the season. Johnson’s move to a production company suggests a continued influence in sports media, focusing on positive storytelling rather than daily analysis.

What to watch

The 2026-27 season will be the last for Johnson on 'Inside the NBA'. He will continue to work on March Madness and other TNT/CBS projects. His new production company, 32 Bowties, will likely begin producing content focused on feel-good sports stories. The show will need to find a new host to replace Johnson, potentially impacting the dynamic with co-hosts Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal, especially as Barkley also plans to retire.