Ernie Johnson has announced that he will leave Inside the NBA after the 2026–27 season. The 70-year-old is now in his 37th year as host. He shared his decision in a video lasting almost three minutes on social media.
The programme, which began in 1989, covers NBA basketball before and after games. Johnson presents it alongside Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith. He said leaving was his own choice and expressed his appreciation for the decades they had spent together.
However, Johnson is reducing his work rather than retiring completely. He will continue covering March Madness for TNT and CBS Sports, as well as taking part in other projects for both broadcasters. He has also started 32 Bowties, a production company focused on positive stories in sport.
Barkley's future on the programme may depend on Johnson. Speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Barkley said he had agreed to stay for two more years after Johnson asked him to. He said the current season would be his last unless Johnson changed his mind and continued beyond it.
