Ernie Johnson says the 2026–27 season will be his last on “Inside the NBA.” He shared his decision on social media. Johnson is 70 years old and is in his 37th year as the show's host. He says he chose to leave because it is time.
The show started in 1989. It covers NBA basketball before and after games. Johnson works with Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith. He says his many years with them mean a lot to him.
Johnson is not leaving work completely. He will still cover the March Madness college basketball games and do other work for TNT and CBS. He also started a company called 32 Bowties. It will tell happy stories about sports.
Barkley said last month that he also plans to leave the show after this season. He said Johnson asked him to stay for two more years, and he agreed. Barkley said he would leave if Johnson left. But he could stay if Johnson changed his mind and stayed longer.
