Ernie Johnson to Step Away From 'Inside the NBA' After 37 Seasons

Legendary 'Inside the NBA' host Ernie Johnson has announced he will step away from the show after the 2026-27 NBA season. Johnson, 70, announced the decision in a video posted on X on Wednesday.

Johnson is in his 37th year hosting the show. In the video he said he has long described the job as a get-to job and is still amazed that he gets to do it for a living. Noting that he turned 70 this past summer, he said this will be his last season, that the decision is totally his own, and that it is just time.

Johnson revealed that he has dealt with heart issues and underwent bypass surgery 14 months ago. He said he wants to slow down and spend more time with his wife and five grandchildren.

He clarified that his doctor did not tell him to stop working. Going through the experience, he said, has made him treasure even more every second with his wife of 44 years, Cheryl, and being Poppy to their five grandchildren, so he wants to slow down a bit and spend more time enjoying that.

Johnson clarified that he is not retiring from broadcasting entirely, only from 'Inside the NBA'. He recently launched a production company called 32 Bow Ties, geared toward telling feel-good stories in sports, and plans to continue working on March Madness coverage and other projects for TNT and CBS. He said this is by no means the end, just a turning of the page, and that he will forever cherish every chapter written with 'Inside the NBA'.

He also cited the demands of preparation. Johnson said he has always prided himself on his preparation, the hours he puts in every day getting ready for the next show, and has always loved that part of the job. But he had vowed that if it ever became more of a challenge than a joy, he would know it was time to step away, and after 37 seasons that time has come.

For decades his colleagues on the show have been Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. Smith joined the show in 1998, Barkley in 2000 and O'Neal in 2011. Johnson himself joined 'Inside the NBA' in 1990, one year after its creation.

Johnson is not the only 'Inside the NBA' personality planning to leave after the 2026-27 season. Barkley announced last month that the season would be his last on the show as well.

Johnson closed the video by thanking viewers for their loyalty, love and support, and for their understanding on the day of the announcement.