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Ernie Johnson says he's stepping away from 'Inside the NBA' following the 2026-27 season
Confirmed
In Short: Ernie Johnson, the longtime host of 'Inside the NBA,' announced Wednesday that this will be his final season on the show after 37 years.
Ernie Johnson, the longtime host of 'Inside the NBA,' announced Wednesday that this will be his final season on the show after 37 years. In a nearly three-minute-long video posted to his X account, Johnson revealed that he will step away from his role on 'Inside the NBA' following the 2026-27 season.
Johnson, 70, said his decision is 'totally my decision. It's just time.' He added, 'I've always loved that part of my job, but I've always vowed that if it ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I will know it's time to step away. And now after 37 seasons, it's time.'
In his announcement, Johnson expressed gratitude for his time with the show and his colleagues. 'Just to be clear, I'm not retiring,' Johnson said. 'I'll still do March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS, and I've just started a new production company called 32 Bowties geared toward telling feel-good stories in sports. So this is by no means the end. It's just a turning of the page. I'll forever cherish every chapter we have written with Inside the NBA.'
Johnson's decision comes after nearly two years of dealing with heart issues, including undergoing bypass surgery 14 months ago. 'For nearly two years now, I’ve dealt with heart issues,' Johnson said in his video. 'I just want to slow down a bit, spend more time enjoying that. This is by no means the end; it’s just a turning of the page.'
TNT Sports expressed support for Johnson's decision. 'With his decision to step back from Inside the NBA, we look forward to partnering with him on his next chapter at TNT Sports,' the network said.
Johnson's departure marks the end of an era for 'Inside the NBA,' which first began on TNT in 1989. Johnson joined the show in 1990 and has since become a beloved figure in the world of basketball broadcasting. 'I've always loved that part of my job, but I've always vowed that if it ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I will know it's time to step away. And now after 37 seasons, it's time,' Johnson said.
Johnson's announcement comes as the NBA and WNBA continue to evolve. Russell Westbrook recently retired after 18 seasons, ending his career as the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, while WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced her retirement at the end of 2026.
Johnson's decision to step away from 'Inside the NBA' is not due to health reasons pushed by his doctor, but rather his own desire to slow down and spend more time with his family.
Background
Ernie Johnson, the longtime host of 'Inside the NBA,' announced Wednesday that he will step down from the show after the 2026-27 season.
Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor will undergo surgery for an injured toe and miss the rest of the 2026 season.
What's confirmed
- "Just cutting back. I'll still do March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS, and I've just started a new production company called 32 Bowties geared toward telling feel-good stories in sports. So this is by no means the end. It's just a turning of the page. I'll forever cherish every chapter we have written with Inside the NBA."
- "Just to be clear, I'm not retiring," Johnson said.
- An era is coming to an end for Inside the NBA, as longtime host Ernie Johnson announced he’s stepping away from the popular basketball show after the 2026-27 NBA season.
- Johnson also revealed that he’s been dealing with heart issues for the past two years and underwent bypass surgery 14 months ago.
What's still developing
- "Ernie said to me, 'Chuck, would you please stay for two more years?' I said, 'I love you, man. You're the best. I'll stay for two more years.' So right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year, 100 percent. … If he says he's done, I'm gone."
- "Totally my decision. It's just time. It's been an honor to share so many nights, decades actually, with my brothers."
- Barkley, who is a staple on "Inside the NBA," said last month on an episode of " The Bill Simmons Podcast" that this season would also be his last unless Johnson changed his mind to return beyond this season.
- "Me and Ernie are a package deal," Barkley said.
- Although he said he’s feeling great, he’s still working to get his heart functioning the way it should.
- WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Retiring After Years of Clashes With Players The former Deloitte CEO will exit at the end of 2026, leaving behind record WNBA growth, a $3 billion media deal and a fractured relationship with players.
- "And on this day, your understanding." Inside the NBA first began on TNT in 1989 with a different lineup.
- "Thanks for your love, your loyalty, and your support," Johnson said.
- He plans to spend more time with his wife of 44 years and enjoy being a grandfather.
- The bespectacled, bowtie-wearing announcer typically plays the straight-man while moderating discussion among his colleagues, who unlike Johnson, played in the NBA.
- Johnson started doing NBA game and league analysis with “Inside the NBA” in 1990 when the show launched on TNT and its sister station TBS.