Ernie Johnson announces 2026-27 will be his final season on 'Inside the NBA'

Ernie Johnson has been the full-time host of ‘Inside the NBA’ since 1990.

Ernie Johnson, the legendary sportscaster and host of “Inside the NBA” for 37 seasons, has announced that 2026-27 will be his final season hosting the iconic NBA studio show.

“This will be my last season,” Johnson said in a video posted Wednesday on social media. “Totally my decision. It’s just time. It’s been an honor to share so many nights — decades, actually — at the desk with my brothers, Kenny, Charles, and Shaq, and with our production crews, who are so talented and devoted.”

It’s time.

🤟🤟🏾🤟🏻🤟🏽

pic.twitter.com/h1qNwsnkUY

— Ernie Johnson (@TurnerSportsEJ)

October 28, 2026

“So why now? Total honesty here. I’ve always prided myself on my preparation. The hours I put in every day, getting ready for the next show. I’ve always loved that part of my job. But I’ve always vowed that if that ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I’ll know it’s time to step away. I know after 37 seasons, it’s time.”

Johnson cites health issues and a desire to spend more time with his family as other reasons why he has decided to step away from the show. He confirmed he isn’t retiring from television and will still be featured on NCAA March Madness and other TNT and CBS projects. He’s also starting a production company called “32 Bowties”, which will be “geared towards telling feel-good stories in sports.”

“This is by no means the end,” Johnson says. “It’s just a turning of the page. And I’ll forever cherish every chapter we have written with ‘Inside the NBA’.

And lastly, I just want to say thanks to you. Thanks for your loyalty, for your love, for your support. And on this day, for your understanding. We’ll see you on TV tonight.”

Johnson, a six-time Emmy Award winner, started his career in Georgia on local news before he joined Ted Turner’s “superstation”, TBS, in 1989. This began his run with Turner Sports (now TNT Sports), which brought Johnson’s voice, talent and style nationwide across a variety of sports, including the NBA, MLB and NCAA March Madness.

He became the full-time host of Inside the NBA in 1990. The groundbreaking sports studio show developed into the pinnacle of the format, in large part due to Johnson’s tireless work ethic and chemistry with analysts Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.

“Few people have shaped the way fans experience the NBA as profoundly as Ernie Johnson,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement. “His brilliance as a broadcaster is matched by his character, compassion and generosity, which have been evident throughout his 37 years as host of ‘Inside the NBA.’ We are grateful for Ernie’s extraordinary impact on our league and look forward to celebrating him during his final season.”