Ernie Johnson to retire from Inside the NBA after 37 years

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 18:57 · Archive

Ernie Johnson will host Inside the NBA for the final time during the 2026-27 season after 37 years.

Ernie Johnson announced Wednesday that he will host Inside the NBA for the final time during the 2026-27 season. The 70-year-old has been with the show for 37 years, working alongside Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal.

Johnson revealed that heart health issues contributed to his decision. He underwent bypass surgery 14 months ago and said he is "still trying to get this thing to beat in exactly the way it should." However, he emphasised that his doctor did not tell him to stop working. Instead, the health challenges made him want to "treasure every second" with his wife of 44 years, Cheryl, and his five grandchildren.

Johnson stressed he is not retiring but rather "cutting back." He will continue to appear on March Madness coverage for TNT and CBS, and has started a production company called 32 Bowties to highlight feel-good stories in sports. He said that preparing for the show, once a favourite part of his job, has become "more of a challenge than it is a joy," which indicated it was time to step away.

How it is being reported

• Broadcasting legend Ernie Johnson announces 'Inside the NBA' exitErnie Johnson has hosted ‘Inside the NBA’ for 37 seasonsIndependent Sport · 28 Oct, 20:15
• Ernie Johnson, beloved host of Inside the NBA, to step away from show at end of season70-year-old wants to spend more time with family Johnson leaving after 37 years in role Ernie Johnson, the widely loved host of Inside the NBA , has announced he will step away at the end of the current season after 37 years in the role. Johnson made the announcement on social media on Wednesday . Continue reading...Guardian Sport · 28 Oct, 19:25
• Ernie Johnson quits Inside the NBA as legendary ESPN host reveals secret health battle in emotional farewell messageLegendary host Ernie Johnson has revealed he is stepping away from his role on 'Inside the NBA' at the end of the season.Daily Mail Sport · 28 Oct, 18:45
• Ernie Johnson retiring from ‘Inside the NBA’ as he reveals health issuesErnie Johnson is making a career move.New York Post · 28 Oct, 18:38

In this story: Ernie Johnson · Inside the NBA · TNT Sports · Kenny Smith · Charles Barkley · Shaquille O'Neal · CBS · ESPN

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