Legendary “Inside the NBA” host Ernie Johnson announced Wednesday on X that he will step down from the show after the 2026-27 NBA season.
Johnson, 70, revealed in the video that he suffered from heart problems and had bypass surgery 14 months ago. He said he wanted to slow down and spend more time with his wife and five grandchildren.
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“I’ve been hosting ‘Inside the NBA’ for a long time. This is my 37th year and I’ve long described it as a learning job. I’m still amazed that I can do this for a living. Now, as the years have gone by and I turned 70 last summer, people have asked me, ‘So how long are you going to keep doing Inside?’ Well, I want to take a few minutes of your time to answer that. This will be my last season. Totally my decision. It’s just time,” Johnson said in his video.
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The TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax airs live ahead of the game on October 24, 2023 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. (NBAE via Getty Images)
Johnson clarified that he is not retiring from broadcasting completely, but only from “Inside the NBA.” The broadcaster said it recently launched a production company, 32 Bow Ties, and plans to continue working on March Madness coverage and other projects for TNT and CBS.
“So why now? Full honesty here. I’ve always prided myself on my preparation, the hours I put in every day preparing for the next show. I’ve always loved this part of my job, but I always swore that if it ever became more of a challenge than a joy, then I would know it was time to walk away. And now, after 37 seasons, it’s time,” Johnson said.
He cited his heart problems and his desire to spend time with his family as contributing factors to his decision.
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Ernie Johnson looks on during a practice session before the Final Four of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 3, 2026. (IMAGINE IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
“This isn’t a case where my doctor said, ‘You need to stop working.’ It’s none of that. But here’s the deal. Experiencing this has allowed me to cherish every second even more with my incredible wife of 44 years, Cheryl, and to be Poppy to our five grandchildren. So I just want to slow down a little bit and spend more time and enjoy it,” Johnson said.
He said it was an honor to work for decades alongside Shaquille O’Neal (who joined the series in 2011), Charles Barkley (2000) and Kenny Smith (1998). Johnson joined “Inside the NBA” in 1990, a year after its inception.
Johnson isn’t the only “Inside the NBA” personality planning to retire after the 2026-27 season. Barkley announced last month that this season would be his last.
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New York Knicks owner James Dolan is interviewed by ESPN broadcaster Ernie Johnson during the trophy ceremony after Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas on June 13, 2026. (IMAGINE IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
“I just started a new production company called 32 Bow Ties, which is all about telling feel-good stories in sports. So this is by no means the end. It’s just a page turner. And I will forever cherish every chapter that we’ve written in the NBA,” Johnson said.
“And finally, I just want to thank you. Thank you for your loyalty, for your love, for your support, and today for your understanding. We’ll see you on TV tonight.”
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