Ernie Johnson makes major ‘Inside the NBA’ announcement, ‘It’s just time’

Ernie Johnson makes major 'Inside the NBA' announcement, 'It's just time'.

Key points

• Shaquille O'Neal breaks down the NBA landscape and picks his favorite team for 2026-27.
• 28, in a video message posted to his social media channel that the 2026-27 season.
• Me and Ernie are a package deal, Barkley remarked in an episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast that published in September.
• NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal joins Sports Seriously to talk all thing NBA and what he's up to with his long time partner IcyHot.
• What does this mean for Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith?

More massive changes are coming to the flagship iconic broadcast show "Inside the NBA."

Longtime host Ernie Johnson confirmed Wednesday, Oct. 28, in a video message posted to his social media channel that the 2026-27 season. It began last week, will be his last with the show.

You know I've been hosting 'Inside the NBA' for a long time – this is my 37th year. Johnson remarked. I've long described it as a 'obtain to job, ' still amazed that I secure to do this for a living. As the years have gone by, and I turned 70 this past summer, folks have asked me: 'So how long are you going to keep doing Inside?' Well I want to take a couple of minutes of your time to answer that.

"This will be my last season. Totally my decision. It's just time."

According to Johnson, he was not retiring from broadcasting, "but just cutting back." He stated he would continue to host March Madness and other projects with TNT and CBS. Johnson additionally stated he just began a new production business. Ernie Johnson leaving 'Inside the NBA'.

"So this is by no mean the end, " Johnson remarked. "It's just a turning of the page. And I'll forever cherish every chapter we have written at 'Inside the NBA.'".

Johnson is a six-time Sports Emmy Award winner and has anchored the show. It additionally includes former NBA stars Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.

"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, " Johnson remarked. "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, I'll know it's time to step away. And now after 37 seasons, it's time."

Johnson additionally cited his health and family as further reasons for his decision.

"And there's something else, and I'll just call it a contributing factor, " he continued. "For almost two years, I've dealt with hard matters, had bypass surgery 14 months ago. Still trying to obtain this (heart) to beat exactly the way it should, and we're getting there. I feel great, so this isn't a case where my doctor remarked: 'You need to stop working.' It's nothing like that. But here's the accord. Going through that has created me treasure even more every second with my amazing wife of 44 years, Cheryl Ann and being 'poppy' to our five grandchildren, so I just want to slow down a bit, spend more time enjoying that."

For context, the show moved last season from TNT to ESPN after Turner Sports' media rights accord with the NBA expired. It has won 21 Sports Emmys since it introduced.

"It has been an honor to share so plenty of nights – decades actually – at the desk with my brothers, Kenny, Charles and Shaq and with our production crews who are so talented and devoted. And I so appreciate the leadership at TNT and ESPN for allowing the show to continue."

At this point, it's unclear. The show will air its latest episode Wednesday night, so more details may come out then, but there have been no definitive statements regarding the futures of Barkley, O'Neal or Smith.

Barkley, nevertheless, did say lately when discussing the transition of the show to ESPN that he and Johnson were a "package deal, " which might additionally lead to the end of Barkley's tenure with the show.

Me and Ernie are a package deal, Barkley remarked in an episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast that published in September. So, to answer your question, Ernie remarked to me: 'Chuck, would you please stay for two more years?' I stated, 'I love you, man, you're the best.' I noted, 'I'll stay for two more years.' So, right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year, 100%.

"I'm hoping the show keeps going on ESPN, but if Ernie retires, I'm done. We're a package accord. I obtained so much love and respect for that guy. If he notes he's done, I'm gone." Barkley has been with the show since October 2000. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

Taken together, the developments around ernie Johnson makes major 'Inside the NBA' announcement, Its just time point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.