Ernie Johnson to leave Inside the NBA after 2026-27 season

Ernie Johnson will finish his run as host of Inside the NBA at the end of the 2026-27 season, announcing on Wednesday that he wants to reduce his workload rather than retire from broadcasting. According to Yahoo Sports, the 70-year-old confirmed the decision in a video posted to his X account during his 37th season with the programme.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y820mHbJVTY

Johnson linked the timing to the preparation required for each broadcast. Yahoo Sports reported that he had long taken pride in that work but had promised himself he would leave once preparing became more difficult than enjoyable. His announcement sets an endpoint for his NBA hosting role while leaving room for other television projects.

Health and family also informed his decision. As Awful Announcing reported, Johnson said he had experienced heart problems for nearly two years and undergone bypass surgery 14 months ago. He said he felt well and stressed that doctors had not instructed him to stop working. Instead, the experience had strengthened his desire to spend time with his wife and their five grandchildren.

The change does not mean a complete departure from sports coverage. Yahoo Sports reported that Johnson intends to continue working on March Madness and other assignments for TNT and CBS. He also disclosed that he had established a production company, 32 Bowties, to develop positive sports stories, providing another outlet for his work beyond the NBA studio.

In his message, Johnson acknowledged longtime colleagues Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal, along with the production staff behind the show. Awful Announcing reported that he also thanked TNT and ESPN leadership for keeping the programme going. Inside the NBA continued through a licensing arrangement with ESPN after TNT's NBA rights ended following the 2024-25 season.

The announcement also follows an earlier reduction in Johnson's college basketball schedule. According to Awful Announcing, he sat out the opening two weeks of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, with Nate Burleson taking the hosting assignment before Johnson returned for the Final Four in Indianapolis. His latest decision extends that shift toward a smaller schedule while retaining a role in tournament coverage.