Ernie Johnson to conclude 37-year run hosting Inside the NBA after 2026-27 season

Key points

• Ernie Johnson will step away from Inside the NBA at the end of the 2026-27 season after 37 years.
• Johnson cited bypass surgery and a desire to spend time with his wife and grandchildren as reasons for leaving.
• The broadcaster is not retiring and will continue working on NCAA March Madness and other TNT/CBS projects.
• Johnson launched a new production company named 32 Bowties focused on feel-good sports narratives.
• Co-host Charles Barkley has also announced he will retire from the show at the end of the season.
• Inside the NBA moved from Turner networks to ABC and ESPN in 2025 and has won 19 Sports Emmys.

Background

Inside the NBA has been a staple of late-night sports entertainment since 1990, known for its unique blend of analysis and comedy. The show previously aired on Turner networks before shifting to ABC and ESPN in 2025. Ernie Johnson joined the program that same year, establishing a long-standing partnership with analysts Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal. The show’s format has influenced sports broadcasting standards, and its recent move to ABC and ESPN marked a significant shift in its distribution and audience reach.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian highlighted Johnson’s health issues, including bypass surgery and past diagnoses like non-Hodgkins lymphoma, as key factors in his decision. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel emphasized Johnson’s personal reasons, noting his desire to spend time with his wife and five grandchildren, and mentioned his new production company. NBA.com focused on Johnson’s continued involvement in other projects, such as NCAA March Madness, and his new venture, 32 Bowties. ESPN’s coverage was unavailable due to a server error, but other outlets confirmed the show’s move to ABC and ESPN in 2025. All sources agreed on the 37-year tenure and the show’s cultural significance, but differed in emphasis: The Guardian focused on health, the Journal Sentinel on personal life, and NBA.com on future projects.

Why it matters

Ernie Johnson’s departure marks the end of an era in sports broadcasting, as Inside the NBA has been a defining show for NBA fans for nearly four decades. His decision to step away, along with Charles Barkley’s retirement, signals a potential shift in the show’s dynamic and may influence future formats in sports media. Johnson’s continued involvement in other projects ensures his presence in sports media, but his departure from Inside the NBA could impact the show’s legacy and audience engagement.

What to watch

Inside the NBA will continue airing for the 2026-27 season, but without Ernie Johnson as host. The show may need to adjust its format or find a new host to maintain its popularity. Johnson’s new production company, 32 Bowties, may produce content that appeals to fans of feel-good sports stories. The NBA and ESPN may also announce plans to celebrate Johnson’s contributions during the season, as mentioned by ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro.