ATLANTA, Ga. — Ernie Johnson, the host who has anchored Inside the NBA since 1990, said Wednesday that the 2026-27 season will be his last at the desk.
Johnson, 70, shared the decision in a video on social media and stressed that it was his alone. He said he had long promised himself he would step aside once the daily preparation he takes pride in felt more like a burden than a pleasure, and that after 37 seasons the moment had come.
He also pointed to his health and a wish for more time with family. Johnson has dealt with heart problems in recent years, though he said those were not what drove the call, and that he simply wants to slow down.
He is not leaving television. Johnson plans to keep calling the NCAA men's basketball tournament and other projects, and he is launching a production company named 32 Bowties to tell uplifting sports stories.
A Georgia native who began in local news, Johnson joined the Turner superstation in 1989 and became full-time host of the studio show a year later, building a long partnership with Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith. He is a member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and a six-time Sports Emmy winner.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Johnson's character and generosity in a statement and said the league looks forward to honoring him throughout his final season.
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