Ernie Johnson announces departure from ESPN's Inside the NBA after 2026-27 season
Longtime host Ernie Johnson said the 2026-27 NBA season will be his final year on ESPN's Inside the NBA, and the network plans to continue the program beyond his exit.
Ernie Johnson confirmed that the 2026-27 NBA season will be his last as host of ESPN's Inside the NBA. In a video announcement, Johnson said, "This will be my last season. Totally my decision. It’s just time." The news was reiterated on the show, followed by comments from analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal.
Sources familiar with ESPN said the network intends to keep Inside the NBA on the air after Johnson’s departure, maintaining it as the network’s primary NBA studio program. They noted that ESPN’s competing studio show, NBA Countdown, has historically struggled to match Inside the NBA’s ratings.
Barkley, who has previously hinted at retirement, indicated that his own tenure may end after the season if Johnson leaves, stating on a podcast, "Me and Ernie are a package deal, so unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year 100 percent."
Johnson later told The Dan Patrick Show and other interviewers that he does not wish to be blamed for the show's future and expressed confidence that other studio hosts could fill the role. He declined to comment on Barkley’s plans, saying he would leave that decision to his colleague.