Ernie Johnson announces he's leaving ‘Inside the NBA’ after 37 seasons

Key Points:

• Ernie Johnson announced that the 2026-27 season will be his final season hosting "Inside the NBA" after 37 years, citing a desire to slow down and spend more time with family following health challenges, including bypass surgery.
• Johnson clarified he is not retiring from broadcasting entirely but will reduce his workload, continuing to host March Madness and other projects with TNT and CBS, while also starting a new production company.
• "Inside the NBA," which moved from TNT to ESPN last season and has won 21 Sports Emmys, features former NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith, but their futures on the show remain uncertain following Johnson’s departure.
• Charles Barkley indicated he and Johnson are a "package deal" and suggested he would likely leave the show if Johnson retires, with Barkley’s current contract set to end next year.
• Johnson expressed deep appreciation for his co-hosts and production teams, emphasizing the honor of working on the show and the support from TNT and ESPN leadership throughout the transition.