Ernie Johnson to Leave 'Inside the NBA' After 2026-27 Season

Ernie Johnson said Wednesday he will depart from his role as host of "Inside the NBA" after the 2026-27 season. He clarified that he is not retiring, adding that he will keep covering March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS, and has started a production company called 32 Bowties focused on feel-good sports stories.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised Johnson’s contributions, stating, "Few people have shaped the way fans experience the NBA as profoundly as Ernie Johnson. His brilliance as a broadcaster is matched by his character, compassion and generosity, which have been evident throughout his 37 years as host of 'Inside the NBA.'"

Johnson, 70, has worked in media since 1979 and joined Turner Sports in 1989. His career includes coverage of Wimbledon, the Winter Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, and the MLB and NBA playoffs. He is a six-time Sports Emmy Award winner and was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2023.

While Johnson’s tenure on "Inside the NBA" has been his most recognizable role, he will remain active in sports broadcasting and new media ventures.