Inside the NBA: Ernie Johnson Sets Final Season

Ernie Johnson will stop hosting "Inside the NBA" after the 2026-27 season.

The Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer announced the decision in a video posted to social media on Wednesday. He described the move as a personal choice, stating that it is simply time to step back from the desk.

Johnson, who turned 70, clarified that he is not leaving the industry. He plans to maintain his work covering the NCAA men's basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports. "Just to be clear, I'm not retiring," he said. "Just cutting back." He characterized the transition as a new chapter rather than an end, adding that he will cherish the history built with the show.

The broadcaster also addressed recent health concerns, acknowledging that heart issues in prior years made the value of family time more apparent. "I just want to slow down a bit," he noted.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro responded to the news by calling Johnson one of the most respected figures in sports media. Pitaro credited Johnson with being the heart of the program for more than three decades, noting the show's status as an iconic studio production. "We are grateful for Ernie's extraordinary contributions," Pitaro said.

Johnson has been a fixture at Turner Sports since 1989, taking over as host of the show in 1990. The program has won more than 20 Sports Emmy Awards. It previously aired on TNT before moving to ESPN and ABC last season. The current lineup includes analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal.

Barkley has previously declared this his final season, though he has reversed that stance in the past. The show is scheduled for 25 regular-season appearances in 2026-27 before moving to playoff coverage. The next episode airs Wednesday, featuring games between the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers, and the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks.