Ernie Johnson will step down as host of “Inside the NBA” after the 2026–27 season, bringing his 37-season tenure to a close. Announcing the move in a nearly three-minute social media video, the 70-year-old emphasized that the decision was entirely his own and that he felt the time had come to leave.
A fixture of NBA coverage since its 1989 debut, the pregame and postgame program features Johnson alongside Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith. Johnson expressed deep appreciation for the decades spent working with his colleagues and for their shared history on the show.
His departure does not amount to retirement: Johnson will continue contributing to TNT and CBS Sports' coverage of the March Madness college basketball tournament, as well as other projects for both broadcasters. He has also launched a production company, 32 Bowties, focused on uplifting sports stories. He described the change as a reduction in his workload rather than an end to his career.
The announcement also has implications for Barkley's future on the program. During an appearance on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” the previous month, Barkley said he intended to leave after this season unless Johnson reconsidered and continued hosting. Having agreed to stay for two additional years at Johnson's request, Barkley made clear that his own continued participation depended on Johnson remaining.
