ESPN decides on 'Inside the NBA' future without Ernie Johnson
Awful Announcing • • sports
Key Points:
- After 37 years, Ernie Johnson announced he will retire from hosting Inside the NBA at the end of the 2026-27 NBA season, describing it as a personal decision and the right time to step away.
- Johnson’s departure sparked emotional tributes from co-hosts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal during the show, highlighting the end of an era despite one full season remaining together.
- ESPN plans to continue Inside the NBA beyond Johnson’s exit, aiming to maintain it as their top NBA studio show even if other key personalities like Barkley also leave.
- Charles Barkley has indicated he will likely retire from television after the upcoming season, stating he and Johnson are a "package deal," though Johnson declined to speculate on Barkley’s final decision.
- Johnson expressed hope that Inside the NBA will persist with new hosts, emphasizing that many talented studio hosts could fill his role, while leaving Barkley’s future plans uncertain.
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