Ernie Johnson to Leave Inside the NBA After 35 Seasons
The 70-year-old broadcaster announced his departure Wednesday, citing health concerns and a desire to spend more time with family, while noting he will continue covering the NCAA tournament.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Ernie Johnson will leave the host desk of 'Inside the NBA' at the end of the current season. The Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer made the announcement in a social media video posted Wednesday, stating that he is stepping away because 'it's just time.' At 70 years old, Johnson said he is not retiring from television but is choosing to cut back on his workload.
Johnson confirmed he will continue his role covering the NCAA men's basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports. 'Just to be clear, I'm not retiring,' he said in the video. 'Just cutting back.. 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.''
The broadcaster acknowledged that he has dealt with heart issues in recent years. He said he is currently doing well but explained that these health matters helped him realize the value of spending time with his family. 'I just want to slow down a bit,' Johnson said.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro responded to the news in a statement, describing Johnson as one of sports media's most respected and beloved figures. Pitaro noted that for more than three decades, Johnson has been the heart of the show, helping create one of the most iconic studio programs in sports. 'We are grateful for Ernie's extraordinary contributions and look forward to celebrating him throughout the season,' Pitaro said.
Johnson has been with Turner Sports since 1989 and began hosting 'Inside the NBA' in 1990. The show has won more than 20 Sports Emmy Awards during its run. It transitioned from TNT Sports to ESPN and ABC starting last season. The current studio quartet includes Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal.
Barkley has previously indicated that this would be his final season on the program, though he has reversed that decision in the past. The third edition of the show on ESPN airs Wednesday, featuring games between the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers, as well as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks.
The program is scheduled for 25 regular-season appearances in the 2026-27 season, along with coverage through the NBA playoffs and Finals.
