For the better part of the last four decades, NBA fans have come to know Ernie Johnson as a familiar face.
Johnson is a sports broadcasting veteran who has worked on many of the biggest events the sports world has to offer, but his role as the host of Inside the NBA is considered to be his crowning achievement.
Johnson’s welcoming energy and sharp wit have served as the perfect contrast to co-hosts like Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal.
Many fans have grown up with Johnson as the voice of the NBA, first on TNT for several decades and in recent years with ESPN.
On Wednesday, Johnson revealed that Inside the NBA will continue, but that he will no longer be involved after a distinguished run as the show’s host.
Ernie Johnson Makes Surprise Announcement
In a video posted to social media, Johnson announced that the current NBA season will be his last as the host of Inside the NBA.
It’s time.
🤟🤟🏾🤟🏻🤟🏽 pic.twitter.com/h1qNwsnkUY— Ernie Johnson (@TurnerSportsEJ) October 28, 2026
ESPN and ABC once again hold the rights to the NBA Finals, meaning that Johnson’s final season will end when a champion is crowned.
“It’s just time,” Johnson said, while making it clear that this is not a full-on retirement. The sports media veteran says he will continue to work, citing his duties with the men’s NCAA tournament for CBS and Turner Sports.
Johnson has also worked on TNT Sports’ coverage of the MLB and its playoffs, and could return there with a clearer non-NBA schedule.
“Just cutting back,” Johnson said “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.'”
In the video announcing his imminent retirement, Johnson explained that he’s dealt with heart issues recently. He noted that he’s currently doing well, but that his health concerns were a wakeup call about spending more time with his loved ones.
ESPN’s Reaction to Johnson’s Announcement
“Ernie Johnson is one of sports media’s most respected and beloved figures,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement.
ESPN has been the home of Inside the NBA for the last two seasons, picking it up after Turner Sports’ longtime partnership with the NBA ended in 2025.
“For more than three decades, he has been the heart of ‘Inside the NBA,’ helping create one of the most iconic and entertaining studio shows in sports.
We are grateful for Ernie’s extraordinary contributions and look forward to celebrating him throughout the season.”
Johnson will return to the show on Wednesday night for ESPN’s NBA doubleheader, and Inside the NBA is set for 25 appearances during the regular season, as well as their nightly work in the NBA playoffs next year.
