Ernie Johnson to Retire from 'Inside the NBA' After 2026-27 Season
The veteran broadcaster cites health reasons and a desire to spend more time with family as catalysts for his departure.
Legendary host Ernie Johnson announced Wednesday that he will step away from TNT's "Inside the NBA" after the 2026-27 NBA season. Johnson, 70, revealed in a video posted on X that he has experienced heart issues and underwent bypass surgery 14 months ago.
"I've been hosting 'Inside the NBA' for a long time. This is my 37th year, and I've long described it as a get-to job," Johnson stated in the video. "Now, as the years have gone by and I turned 70 this past summer, folks have asked me, 'So, how long are you going to keep doing Inside?' Well, I want to take a couple of minutes of your time to answer that. This will be my last season. Totally my decision. It's just time."
Johnson clarified that his decision is not a retirement from broadcasting entirely, but rather a step back from his role on "Inside the NBA." He plans to continue working on March Madness coverage and other projects for TNT and CBS, leveraging his newly launched production company, 32 Bow Ties, which is focused on telling feel-good stories in sports.
He cited his health and a desire to spend more time with his wife of 44 years, Cheryl, and their five grandchildren as significant factors in his decision. "Going through that has made me treasure even more every second with my amazing wife of 44 years, Cheryl, and being Poppy to our five grandchildren," Johnson said. "So, I just want to slow down a bit, spend more time I'm enjoying that."
Johnson, who joined "Inside the NBA" in 1990, one year after its creation, expressed his gratitude for his decades-long tenure. He noted that it has been an honor to work alongside co-hosts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. Barkley himself announced last month that the upcoming 2026-27 season would also be his last with the show.
"This is by no means the end. It's just a turning of the page. And I'll forever cherish every chapter we have written with inside the NBA," Johnson concluded. "And lastly, I just want to say thanks to you. Thanks for your loyalty, for your love, for your support, and on this day for your understanding. We'll see you on TV tonight."