Ernie Johnson to End 'Inside the NBA' Hosting After 2026-27 Season

Fans of the NBA's flagship studio program will see a new face at the anchor desk after the 2026-27 regular season concludes. Ernie Johnson announced on Wednesday that he is leaving his role as host of 'Inside the NBA.' He shared the news via a social media video, stating the decision was his own and describing the timing as simply 'just time.'

The 70-year-old broadcaster clarified that he is not exiting the industry. He will continue working for CBS and Turner Sports, specifically covering the NCAA men's basketball tournament. Johnson emphasized that he is merely reducing his workload rather than retiring completely. He noted that while he cherishes the history with the show, he views this move as a turning of the page rather than a final exit.

Johnson cited his health as a factor in the decision. He acknowledged dealing with heart issues in recent years and stated that those experiences made the value of family time more apparent. He described his goal as slowing down to prioritize those relationships.

Jimmy Pitaro, the chairman of ESPN, issued a tribute to the longtime anchor. Pitaro called Johnson one of the most respected figures in sports media. He noted that Johnson has been the heart of the show for more than three decades and expressed gratitude for his contributions. Pitaro added that the network plans to celebrate Johnson throughout the upcoming season.

Johnson joined Turner Sports in 1989 and became the host of 'Inside the NBA' in 1990. The program has earned more than 20 Sports Emmy Awards. It currently features analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal. The show shifted from TNT Sports to ESPN and ABC starting last season.

Barkley, a Hall of Famer, has previously stated that this would be his final season on the broadcast. He has reversed that decision in previous years. The current edition of the show is set to air on Wednesday. It will feature the Indiana Pacers against the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. ET and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Dallas Mavericks. The schedule includes 25 regular-season appearances in 2026-27 before moving to playoff coverage through the NBA Finals.