Ernie Johnson Calls 2026-27 Season Final on Inside the NBA

Ernie Johnson will step down as host of Inside the NBA after the 2026-27 season, marking the end of a 37-year run with the program. The 70-year-old broadcast executive revealed the news in a three-minute video posted to social media on Wednesday. He stated the decision was his own and described the timing as appropriate for his career.

"This will be my last season," Johnson said. "Totally my decision. It's just time. It's been an honor to share so many nights, decades actually, with my brothers." The show, which has aired since 1989, features pre-game and post-game analysis alongside Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith.

Johnson clarified that he is not retiring from television entirely. He will continue his work on March Madness coverage for TNT and CBS Sports. Additionally, he launched a new production company called 32 Bowties, which focuses on positive sports narratives. "Just to be clear, I'm not retiring," he said. "Just cutting back. I'll still do March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS, and I've just started a new production company called 32 Bowties geared toward telling feel-good stories in sports."

The announcement impacts the show's core trio. Charles Barkley declared last month on The Bill Simmons Podcast that the current season would be his final year unless Johnson reversed his decision. Barkley emphasized their professional bond, noting that they function as a unit.

"Me and Ernie are a package deal," Barkley said. He recalled a conversation where Johnson asked him to stay for two additional years. Barkley agreed to the extension, telling Johnson, "I love you, man. You're the best."

Barkley confirmed his exit plan with certainty. "So right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year, 100 percent," he said. "If he says he's done, I'm gone."