‘Inside the NBA’ Host Ernie Johnson Says This Is His Final Season

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Ernie Johnson, the long-serving host of Inside the NBA on TNT and ESPN, is stepping down.

In an Instagram video Wednesday, Johnson said that this season — his 37th — will be his last as the host of the NBA highlights and analysis show. Johnson became host of Inside the NBA with its second season in 1990 and has been at the helm ever since, wrangling and playing off of analysts Kenny Smith (since 1998), Charles Barkley (since 2000) and Shaquille O’Neal (since 2011).

“I’ve long described it as a ‘get to’ job — I’m still amazed I get to do this for a living,” Johnson said in the video (watch it in full below). “… This will be my last season. It’s totally my decision. It’s just time.”

Johnson also said that he has taken pride in how well he prepares for each show, but “I’ve always vowed that if ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I’ll know it’s time to step away. Now after 37 seasons, it’s time.”

Barkley pre-empted Johnson’s announcement somewhat in September, saying that he planned to retire from Inside the NBA alongside Johnson after the 2026-27 season. “Right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year for 100%,” Barkley said on The Bill Simmons Podcast.

In his announcement, Johnson also cited some recent health issues “a contributing factor” in his decision. The 70-year-old Johnson had heart bypass surgery in 2025, and while he said he feels “great” and isn’t under doctor’s orders to scale back, he wants to use more of his time to be with his family, including his five grandchildren.

Inside the NBA was TNT’s signature show covering the league from 1989-2025. When TNT lost rights to the NBA after the 2024-25 season, ESPN picked up the show and airs it during select nights of its NBA coverage on ESPN and ABC. TNT Sports continues to produce the show and licenses it to ESPN.

Johnson isn’t fully retiring: He’ll still be part of NCAA basketball coverage on TNT and has a production company, 32 Bow Ties.

“Ernie Johnson has been and always will be the heart and soul of TNT Sports. He’s a legend in every sense — as a broadcaster and iconic host of Inside the NBA to being a world-class person who is beloved by all,” TNT Sports said in a statement. “With his decision to step back from Inside the NBA, we look forward to partnering with him on his next chapter at TNT Sports.”