NBA1 hr ago
Ernie Johnson Plans to Step Away as Host After This Season
The longtime studio leader will cut back on duties but continue some basketball coverage while prioritizing family time
· 1 min read
Written with AI assistance from published news reports and checked against them by an automated fact-check. How we use AI
On this page3 sections
Decision to Step Down
Ernie Johnson has decided this will be his final season hosting Inside the NBA. The 70-year-old made the choice to step away after decades in the role, describing it as the right moment to reduce his workload. He emphasized that the move does not mark a full retirement from broadcasting.
Reasons and Future Plans
Johnson has managed heart issues in recent years and wants to slow down to spend more time with family. He will keep working on select projects, including NCAA tournament coverage. The shift comes after he joined Turner Sports in 1989 and began hosting the studio show a year later.
Show Legacy and Cast
Inside the NBA, featuring Johnson alongside Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal, has earned more than 20 Sports Emmy Awards. Barkley has also indicated this could be his last season, though he has reversed similar decisions in the past. The program is scheduled for 25 regular-season appearances in 2026-27 plus playoff coverage.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
Report a problem with this pageAdd OddsListing as a preferred source on Google (opens in a new tab)
