Ernie Johnson to Exit Inside the NBA After 37 Seasons

Ernie Johnson confirmed on Wednesday that the 2026-27 NBA season will be his final year hosting Inside the NBA. The program has been a staple of basketball coverage since its launch in 1989. Johnson, 70, revealed the news in a video posted to social media that lasted nearly three minutes.

In the clip, Johnson stated that the decision was his own. "This will be my last season," he said. "Totally my decision. It's just time. It's been an honor to share so many nights, decades actually, with my brothers." The show features Johnson alongside Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith.

Johnson clarified that he is not leaving sports media entirely. He will continue working on March Madness coverage for TNT and CBS Sports. He also launched a new production company called 32 Bowties, which focuses on feel-good sports narratives. "Just to be clear, I'm not retiring," Johnson said. "Just cutting back."

The announcement impacts the future of the show's co-hosts. Charles Barkley told The Bill Simmons Podcast last month that he intended to leave unless Johnson stayed. Barkley described their partnership as a package deal. "Me and Ernie are a package deal," Barkley said. He recalled agreeing to stay for two more years because of his relationship with Johnson.

Barkley was explicit about his plans if Johnson follows through with his exit. "So right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year, 100 percent," Barkley said. "If he says he's done, I'm gone."