ERNIE JOHNSON ANNOUNCES INSIDE THE NBA DEPARTURE

Ernie Johnson said on 28 October that the 2026-27 season would be his last hosting Inside the NBA. He announced the decision in a video posted on X, saying, “It’s just time.” Johnson said he had dealt with heart issues for nearly two years and had bypass surgery 14 months ago. He said he felt well and that a doctor had not told him to stop working. Johnson said the decision was his own.

Johnson said his departure would end a 37-season run as host. He has worked on the programme with Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith. The NBA’s new media rights deals excluded TNT from domestic live games, but TNT continues to produce Inside the NBA for ESPN and ABC to air. Johnson said he now values time with his wife and grandchildren more than ever. He has also started 32 Bowties, a production company focused on positive sports stories.

Johnson said he would continue working on other TNT and CBS projects, including March Madness coverage. Barkley told The Bill Simmons Podcast that he hoped Inside the NBA would continue on ESPN. “But if Ernie retires after next year, I’m done,” Barkley said. Johnson previously persuaded Barkley to stay for two more years during the broadcast rights transition. The 2026-27 season is the second of those two seasons.