Ernie Johnson is a legendary sports broadcaster, but his time on “Inside the NBA” is coming to an end.
Johnson announced on social media that he will step away from “Inside the NBA” following the 2026-27 NBA season, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and ease up his schedule for health reasons.
“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, at the desk with my brothers, Kenny, Charles, and Shaq, and with our production crews, who are so talented and devoted.”
It’s time. 🤟🤟🏾🤟🏻🤟🏽 https://t.co/h1qNwsnkUY
— Ernie Johnson (@TurnerSportsEJ) October 28, 2026
Johnson has been on “Inside the NBA” for 37 years, taking over as the show’s host in its second season of existence beginning in 1990. Over the next few decades, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal all joined Johnson to make the show iconic among basketball fans.
Now that Johnson has decided to step away, the future of “Inside the NBA” is murkier than ever, as Barkley has always been extremely loyal to Johnson. Here’s what Barkley has said about the show’s future.
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What does Ernie Johnson leaving mean for ‘Inside the NBA ‘?
Johnson’s decision to leave “Inside the NBA” likely puts the future of the television show in flux. Charles Barkley has been flirting with retirement himself over the last several years, and it’s possible that Johnson’s decision accelerates Barkley’s plans.
Barkley appeared on The Bill Simmons Show before the start of the NBA season, and he mentioned he believed this would be Johnson’s final season, which would mean he would leave as well.
“Me and Ernie are a package deal,” Barkley told Simmons. “So right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year 100 percent.”
Therefore, Johnson stepping away could be the beginning of the end for “Inside the NBA.” While Johnson was a key piece of the show, Barkley is the biggest draw, so both of them leaving would essentially mean the show as it stands no longer exists.
“I wouldn’t want to do the show with anybody else, to be honest with you,” Barkley told The Next Round podcast. “I don’t think he’s going to change his mind. If he did, I’d probably do it a year or more. But hopefully he won’t change his damn mind.”
Barkley has not yet commented on Johnson’s official decision, and the two still have the entire NBA season to work together one final time.
In ESPN’s statement about Johnson, the network didn’t mention anything regarding the future of the show, instead focusing solely on Johnson himself.
“We are grateful for Ernie’s extraordinary contributions and look forward to celebrating him throughout the season,” chairman Jimmy Pitaro said.
Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman, on Ernie Johnson’s legendary ‘Inside the NBA’ run https://t.co/28XGVM0Fwo
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) October 28, 2026
With the NBA season just now underway, ESPN doesn’t have to make a decision regarding “Inside the NBA” in the immediate future.
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