Ernie Johnson is leaving Inside the NBA after this season. However, the longtime host insists he is not retiring.
What We Know: Johnson made the announcement Wednesday in a video. He joined Turner Sports in 1989 and has hosted Inside the NBA since 1990. Additionally, he stayed with the show through its move from TNT to ESPN and ABC last season. Meanwhile, the 70-year-old has won six Sports Emmys and entered the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2023.
What They Said: Ernie Johnson on the decision to retire from Inside the NBA: “I’ve been hosting Inside the NBA for a long time. This is my 37th year, and I’ve long described it as a get-to job. Still amazed that I get to do this for a living. Now, 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.”
Ernie Johnson appreciates the loyalty shown by the TNT Sports / ESPN crew: “It’s been an honor to share so many nights, decades actually, at the desk with my brothers Kenny [Smith], Charles [Barkley], and Shaq [O’Neal]. With our production crews who are so talented and devoted. I so appreciate the leadership at TNT and ESPN for allowing the show to continue.”
Ernie Johnson on when he knew it was time to retire: “I’ve always prided myself on my preparation. The hours I put in every day getting ready for the next show. 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, then I’ll know it’s time to step away. And now, after 37 seasons, it’s time.”
Ernie Johnson on his recent health issues: “For nearly two years now, I’ve dealt with heart issues. Had bypass surgery 14 months ago. Still trying to get this thing to meet exactly the way it should, and we’re getting there. I mean, I feel great. So, this isn’t the case where my doctor said you need to stop working. It’s nothing like that. But here’s the deal. Going through that has made 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.”
Ernie Johnson on how he’s staying active away from Inside the NBA: “I’m not retiring; just cutting back. I’ll still do March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS. I’ve just started a new production company called 32 Bow Ties, geared toward telling feel-good stories in sports. So, this is by no means the end. It’s just a turning of the page, and I’ll forever cherish every chapter we have written.”
Ernie Johnson thanks the viewer at home: “Lastly, I just want to say thanks to you. Thanks for your loyalty, for your love, for your support. And on this day, for your understanding.”
What Remains Unclear: Neither ESPN nor TNT Sports has named a successor. Likewise, Barkley’s own future remains uncertain despite saying multiple times his agreement to do the show is tied to Johnson. Still, Barkley has changed his mind about retirement several times before.
What It Means: Inside the NBA is losing the steady anchor who kept its chaos on track for more than three decades. Consequently, ESPN faces a major decision about the show’s future. After all, recreating Johnson’s chemistry with Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith will not be simple. For now, fans get one more season with the full foursome intact.
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