Ernie Johnson will step down as host of “Inside the NBA” at the conclusion of the 2026-27 basketball season, ending a 37-season run with one of television’s most recognizable sports studio programs.
Johnson, 70, announced his decision Wednesday in a video posted to social media, saying the demands of preparing for the program and recent health problems influenced his decision to leave.
“This will be my last season,” Johnson said. “Totally my decision. It’s just time.”
Johnson said he has always enjoyed the hours of research and preparation required before each broadcast, but previously decided he would step away when that work became more challenging than rewarding.
“I’ve always loved that part of my job but I’ve always vowed that if that became more of a challenge than it is a joy, I’ll know it’s time to step away,” Johnson said.
His health also played a role: Johnson revealed that he has experienced heart problems for nearly two years and underwent bypass surgery approximately 14 months ago. Although he said he feels well and has not been advised by doctors to stop working, the experience prompted him to reconsider his professional commitments.
He said he wants to spend more time with his wife, Cheryl Anne, their family and their five grandchildren.
Johnson emphasized that he is not retiring from broadcasting altogether: He intends to continue working on NCAA March Madness coverage and other assignments for TNT Sports and CBS. He also recently established a production company called 32 Bowties, which will focus on positive stories involving sports.
“This is by no means the end — it’s just a turning of the page,” Johnson said.
Johnson became the full-time host of “Inside the NBA” in 1990, developing an enduring on-air partnership with analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal.
The program moved to ESPN for the 2025-26 season under a licensing agreement with TNT Sports after TNT lost its NBA television rights to a new group of national broadcast and streaming partners. That agreement allowed “Inside the NBA” to continue with its existing personalities and production team, despite the end of TNT’s longtime relationship with the league.
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