Legendary “Inside the NBA” host Ernie Johnson announced Wednesday on X that he will step away from the show after the 2026-27 NBA season.
Johnson, 70, revealed in the video that he has dealt with heart issues and underwent bypass surgery 14 months ago. He said he wants 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 get-to job. Still amazed that I get to do this for a living. 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 said in his video.
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The TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax broadcasts live before the game on Oct. 24, 2023, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo. (NBAE via Getty Images)
Johnson clarified that he is not retiring from broadcasting entirely, only from “Inside the NBA.” The broadcaster said he 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? Total honesty here. I’ve always prided myself on my preparation, the hours I put in every day getting ready for the next show. I’ve always loved that part of my job, but I’ve always vowed that if that ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I’ll know it’s time to step away. And now after 37 seasons, it’s time,” Johnson said.
He cited his heart issues and his desire to spend time with family as a contributing factor in his decision.
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Ernie Johnson looks on during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on April 3, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
“This isn’t a case where my doctor said, ‘You need to stop working.’ It’s nothing like that. But here’s the deal. 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. So, I just want to slow down a bit, spend more time I’m enjoying that,” Johnson said.
He said it has been an honor to work for decades alongside Shaquille O’Neal (who joined the show in 2011), Charles Barkley (2000) and Kenny Smith (1998). Johnson joined “Inside the NBA” in 1990, one year after its creation.
Johnson is not the only “Inside the NBA” personality planning to retire after the 2026-27 season. Barkley announced last month that the 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 Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 13, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
“I’ve just started a new production company called 32 Bow Ties, geared toward telling feel-good stories in sports. So, 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 said.
“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.”
