Ernie Johnson to End 'Inside the NBA' Run After 36 Seasons

Ernie Johnson will leave his hosting seat on 'Inside the NBA' when the current season concludes. The decision marks the end of a tenure that began in 1990, making it a 36-year run on the show. Johnson confirmed the news via social media on Wednesday.

The 70-year-old broadcaster described the move as a reduction in workload rather than a full retirement. He noted that he plans to continue working, specifically citing his role covering the NCAA men’s basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports. His statement clarified that the change is a personal choice to manage his pace.

Johnson joined Turner Sports in 1989 and has anchored the post-game analysis program since the following year. The six-time Sports Emmy Award winner addressed the long-standing speculation regarding his health. He acknowledged dealing with heart issues in recent years but explicitly stated that this condition is not the reason for his departure from the show.

In his post, Johnson referred to the decision as a turning of the page. He said he wants to slow down a bit. He expressed gratitude to the crews at TNT Sports and ESPN, as well as the audience, for their loyalty and support over the decades.

The announcement positions Johnson for a reduced schedule in the immediate future. He remains a fixture in sports media, shifting his primary focus away from the NBA studio analysis that has defined his career since the early 1990s.