Ernie Johnson to Step Away From ‘Inside the NBA’ After Season
WHO:
ESPN - Ernie Johnson is 70 and was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
ESPN - Johnson has worked for Turner Sports since 1989 and began hosting “Inside the NBA” in 1990.
ESPN - The show’s current lineup includes Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal.
Deadline - Ernie Johnson is the host of TNT’s “Inside the NBA.”
Daily Mail Sports - Ernie Johnson is a host of “Inside the NBA.”
Newsweek - Ernie Johnson is a broadcaster who hosts “Inside the NBA.”
Reddit Sports - Ernie Johnson is the host of “Inside The NBA.”
WHAT:
NBC News - Johnson’s final season behind the “Inside the NBA” desk will end his career as one of the most prominent voices of professional basketball.
Newsweek - Charles Barkley became overwhelmed with emotion while reacting to Ernie Johnson’s career decision on ESPN’s “Inside the NBA.”
Newsweek - NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released an official statement responding to Johnson’s career decision.
ESPN - ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro called Johnson “one of sports media’s most respected and beloved figures” and said the network looked forward to celebrating him throughout the season.
ESPN - Johnson said he would continue working, including coverage of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports.
ESPN - The show has won more than 20 Sports Emmy Awards and transitioned from TNT Sports to ESPN and ABC starting last season.
ESPN - Charles Barkley said Johnson was “our unquestionable leader” and “better than” the good person he seems to be.
ESPN - Barkley has also said this will be his final season on the show, though he has changed his mind and returned in previous years.
Deadline - Johnson announced that he will leave “Inside the NBA” at the end of the season.
Daily Mail Sports - Johnson is stepping away from his role on “Inside the NBA” at the end of the season.
Newsweek - Johnson announced that the current season will be his final season hosting “Inside the NBA.”
Reddit Sports - A post said Johnson announced that this will be his final season as host of “Inside The NBA.”
Deadline - In a video announcing his decision, Johnson asked, “So why now?” and said, “Total honesty: I’ve always prided myself on my preparation.”
Deadline - The article describes “Inside the NBA” as a perennial Emmy-winner and Johnson as kind and self-effacing.
Daily Mail Sports - The headline describes Johnson’s announcement as an emotional farewell message and refers to a “secret health battle.”
WHEN:
The Source - Johnson plans to relinquish his hosting duties after the conclusion of the 2026-27 campaign.
US Magazine - Johnson described the season as his 37th year hosting “Inside the NBA.”
ESPN - “Inside the NBA” is scheduled for 25 regular-season appearances in 2026-27, plus playoffs through the NBA Finals.
Deadline - Johnson said he will leave “at the end of this season.”
Daily Mail Sports - The article says Johnson will step away “at the end of the season.”
Newsweek - The article says Johnson made the announcement on Wednesday.
WHY:
ESPN - Johnson said he has dealt with heart issues in recent years; he said he was doing well but that health concerns helped him recognize the importance of family time and that he wanted “to slow down a bit.”
Deadline - Johnson asked, “So why now?” and began his explanation by saying he had always prided himself on his preparation; the supplied excerpt does not include the rest of his explanation.
HOW:
ESPN - Johnson announced his decision in a social media video.
ESPN - Johnson clarified, “I’m not retiring,” describing his decision as “just cutting back” and “a turning of the page.”
Deadline - Johnson announced his decision in a video.
Ernie Johnson will leave “Inside the NBA” after the 2026-27 season, ending a hosting run that began in 1990 and made him one of professional basketball’s most recognizable voices. Johnson said health concerns and a desire to spend more time with family helped prompt the decision, but stressed he is not retiring and will continue working, including covering the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Charles Barkley called Johnson the show’s unquestionable leader, while ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised him as one of sports media’s most respected and beloved figures.