On Wednesday, Ernie Johnson broke the news that everyone knew was coming but refused to believe it. After 37 years, beloved host steps away from Inside the NBA at the end of the 2026-27 NBA season.
“This will be my last season,” Johnson said in his lengthy and heartfelt announcement video. “Totally my decision. It’s just time.”
To open on Wednesday evening Inside the NBA on ESPN, Johnson recited his statement again, followed by tributes from Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal in the office. Barkley became particularly emotional. They still have an entire NBA season left together, but it still felt like the end of something.
According to Front Office Sports, however, the show will continue beyond this season.
“ESPN is committed to continuing inside the NBA even if Johnson, Barkley or both leave the cast after this season, sources told FOS,” Eli Kronenberg and Michael McCarthy wrote. “ESPN’s own NBA Countdown tried and failed to compete with Inside the NBA for decades, employing dozens of different talents, ranging from Magic Johnson and Bill Simmons to Maria Taylor and Rachel Nichols.
“Even if a zombified Inside the NBA show continues with new host and revamped cast, ESPN will try to keep Inside the NBA as demonstrated by its #1 NBA studio, with NBA Countdown as a secondary program,” they added.
Barkley has been considering retiring from television for years, but with Johnson’s exit now confirmed, it seems more likely.
“Ernie and I are on a package, so right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year will be my last year 100%,” Barkley said on The Bill Simmons Podcast in September. Later that month, he reiterated his plan to “step back from public life” after this NBA season, according to WSFA 12 News in Alabama.
On Thursday, Johnson appeared on The Dan Patrick Show and has remained tight-lipped about Barkley’s retirement plans. He repeated this sentiment while speaking with Matt Iseman on FOS this evening Friday.
“I don’t want to be blamed for ending Inside the NBA.”
Ernie Johnson hopes the series continues without him after his retirement.
The new episode drops at 11 p.m. ET on Samsung TV+ or check your local listings. https://t.co/PA3HjQzX8K
— Front Office Sports Tonight (@FOSTonight) October 30, 2026
“I don’t want to be blamed for ending Inside the NBA” Johnson said. “I’m stepping away from my role there. I hope they can continue the show in some form. And there are a lot of great studio hosts who could do what I do.
“As for what Chuck is going to do, I learned many, many moons ago that you should never try to predict what Chuckster is going to do. But he and I have had a lot of conversations in the past about what we’re going to do. I’ll let him have the last word.”
Adam Lefkoe has emerged as the front-runner among early candidates to succeed Johnson. Inside the NBA.
Gn sports
