Ernie Johnson Announces 2026-27 as Final Season on Inside the NBA

Ernie Johnson says the 2026-27 season will be his last hosting “Inside the NBA,” ending a 37-year run as the show’s anchor alongside Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal. Johnson, 70, said the decision is his own and reflects a desire to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren, as well as health issues that included bypass surgery 14 months ago. He is not retiring and plans to continue working on March Madness and other broadcasting projects. The show moved from Turner networks to ESPN/ABC for the 2025-26 season, and Barkley has said he expects 2026-27 to be his final season on the program.