Ernie Johnson leaving 'Inside the NBA' after season: 'It's just time' — SkimNews
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- Ernie Johnson said he will retire as host of Inside the NBA after the 2026-27 season, calling the decision his own and saying, “It’s just time.”
- Ernie Johnson clarified that he is “not retiring” and is only “cutting back,” while continuing to work, including coverage of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports.
- Ernie Johnson acknowledged dealing with heart issues in recent years but said he is doing well, adding that the experience helped him prioritize family and “slow down a bit.”
- Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s chairman, said Johnson has been the heart of Inside the NBA for more than three decades and that ESPN will celebrate his contributions throughout the season.
- Inside the NBA, now featuring Johnson with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal, has won more than 20 Sports Emmy Awards and transitioned from TNT Sports to ESPN and ABC starting last season.
- Inside the NBA is scheduled for 25 regular-season appearances in 2026-27, followed by playoff coverage through the NBA Finals.
- Charles Barkley previously said this would be his final season on the show, but he has changed his mind and returned to the desk after similar announcements in previous years.
Why it matters: Johnson’s departure changes the ESPN/ABC *Inside the NBA* lineup after the 2026-27 season, while the show’s 25 regular-season appearances and playoff coverage through the NBA Finals remain scheduled. He will continue working, including NCAA tournament coverage for CBS and Turner Sports, making this a workload cutback rather than a full retirement.
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