Ernie Johnson announces retirement from 'Inside the NBA' after 2026-27 season
8 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 28, 2026, 7:31 PM
Last updated Oct 28, 2026
Ernie Johnson revealed his plan to retire from 'Inside the NBA' at the end of the 2026-27 season during an announcement on October 28, 2026. Johnson, who joined the program in 1990, stated he wants to focus on family following recent health issues. His departure raises questions about whether Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith will continue with the show. Johnson indicated he will remain involved with TNT and CBS, especially during March Madness.
- •Ernie Johnson has been with 'Inside the NBA' since 1990.
- •He plans to retire at the end of the 2026-27 season.
- •Johnson cited family time and health concerns as reasons for his retirement.
- •Questions arise about the future of the show's panel after Johnson's departure.
- •Johnson will still contribute to TNT and CBS during March Madness.
- 8:06 PMESPN — Ernie Johnson leaving 'Inside the NBA' after season: 'It's just time'
- 7:30 PMYahoo Sports — Ernie Johnson’s Inside the NBA announcement has entire sports world reacting
- 7:16 PMYahoo Sports — Ernie Johnson planning to leave Inside the NBA after this season
- 6:52 PMYahoo Sports — 4 best Ernie Johnson replacements after major ‘Inside the NBA’ reveal
- 6:52 PMYahoo Sports — Ernie Johnson Leaving ‘Inside the NBA’ After 37 Years
- 6:51 PMCBS NBA — Ernie Johnson says he's stepping away from 'Inside the NBA' following the 2026-27 season
- 6:38 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Legendary run’: NBA world reacts to Ernie Johnson career announcement
- 6:16 PMYahoo Sports — Why Ernie Johnson is stepping away from 'Inside the NBA' after banner run
"The NBA recently kicked off its season, meaning the return of “Inside the NBA,” featuring Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley on ESPN. On Wednesday, Johnson took to social media to announce that this would be his last season hosting the program. “This is totally my decision. It’s just time,” said Johnson, per a video […] The post Ernie Johnson’s Inside the NBA announcement has entire sports world reacting appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"After his fellow Inside the NBA star Charles Barkley indicated that they were both done after the 2026-27 season, longtime host Ernie Johnson confirmed that he’s leaving the iconic show. He made the announcement on social media on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. Johnson emphasized that he’s been hosting the show “for a long time,” but he doesn’t take […] The post Ernie Johnson planning to leave Inside the NBA after this season appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"The 2026-27 NBA season will officially mark the end of an era for legendary broadcaster Ernie Johnson, Johnson, 70, announced Wednesday that this will be his final season hosting Inside the NBA. Johnson has led the popular studio show since 1990, first for more than three decades on TNT and TBS and this season on…
Sources
External links- ESPNOct 28, 2026, 8:06 PMErnie Johnson leaving 'Inside the NBA' after season: 'It's just time'
Ernie Johnson will retire as host of "Inside the NBA" after the season, saying it was his decision to step away and that "it's just time."
- Yahoo SportsOct 28, 2026, 7:30 PMErnie Johnson’s Inside the NBA announcement has entire sports world reacting
The NBA recently kicked off its season, meaning the return of “Inside the NBA,” featuring Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley on ESPN. On Wednesday, Johnson took to social media to announce that this would be his last season hosting the program. “This is totally my decision. It’s just time,” said Johnson, per a video […] The post Ernie Johnson’s Inside the NBA announcement has entire sports world reacting appeared first on ClutchPoints.
- Yahoo SportsOct 28, 2026, 7:16 PMErnie Johnson planning to leave Inside the NBA after this season
After his fellow Inside the NBA star Charles Barkley indicated that they were both done after the 2026-27 season, longtime host Ernie Johnson confirmed that he’s leaving the iconic show. He made the announcement on social media on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. Johnson emphasized that he’s been hosting the show “for a long time,” but he doesn’t take […] The post Ernie Johnson planning to leave Inside the NBA after this season appeared first on ClutchPoints.
- Yahoo SportsOct 28, 2026, 6:52 PM4 best Ernie Johnson replacements after major ‘Inside the NBA’ reveal
The popular TNT-produced NBA show has featured Johnson as the lead host since 1990.
- Yahoo SportsOct 28, 2026, 6:52 PMErnie Johnson Leaving ‘Inside the NBA’ After 37 Years
He’ll still be around for March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS.
- CBS NBAOct 28, 2026, 6:51 PMErnie Johnson says he's stepping away from 'Inside the NBA' following the 2026-27 season
Johnson, 70, is in his 37th year hosting the show, a staple of NBA coverage
- Yahoo SportsOct 28, 2026, 6:38 PM‘Legendary run’: NBA world reacts to Ernie Johnson career announcement
The 2026-27 NBA season will officially mark the end of an era for legendary broadcaster Ernie Johnson, Johnson, 70, announced Wednesday that this will be his final season hosting Inside the NBA. Johnson has led the popular studio show since 1990, first for more than three decades on TNT and TBS and this season on…
- Yahoo SportsOct 28, 2026, 6:16 PMWhy Ernie Johnson is stepping away from 'Inside the NBA' after banner run
Ernie Johnson made a huge announcement on Wednesday about his future at Inside the NBA.
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