Ernie Johnson announces final season hosting Inside the NBA per his own rule

Ernie Johnson announced on social media Wednesday that the upcoming campaign will be his final season hosting Inside the NBA, bringing a close to a 37-season run at the helm of the studio program.

A Personal Rule for Stepping Away

The 70-year-old broadcaster, known for his signature three-piece suits and bow ties, explained that his decision is rooted in a standard he set for himself long ago. “I’ve always prided myself on my preparation, the hours I put in every day getting ready for the next show,” Johnson said in his announcement video. He noted that he vowed to step down if the preparation ever transformed from a joy into a challenge, adding that after 37 seasons, that moment has arrived.

Health Factors and Valuing Time

Johnson also pointed to health considerations as a contributing factor in his departure. He has managed heart issues for nearly two years and underwent bypass surgery 14 months ago. While he clarified that he feels great and that no doctor ordered him to stop working, the experience reshaped how he views his time. He wants to spend more moments with Cheryl Ann, his wife of 44 years, and their five grandchildren. The broadcaster previously battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after a 2003 diagnosis, returning to host Inside the NBA in October 2006 during ongoing chemotherapy treatments.

Reducing Commitments Without Retiring

Despite stepping away from the flagship basketball studio show, Johnson emphasized that he is not walking away from broadcasting entirely. “Just to be clear, I’m not retiring; just cutting back,” he stated. He plans to continue covering the NCAA tournament for March Madness and handle other projects for TNT and CBS, alongside launching a new production company named 32 Bowties to focus on positive sports storytelling. The show itself started on TNT in 1989, and Johnson joined Turner Sports in 1989 before taking over hosting duties during the program’s second season in 1990.

Reactions From Colleagues and the League

During an appearance on ESPN’s NBA Tip-Off, analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal offered emotional tributes to their longtime colleague. Barkley, who previously indicated on a podcast that he considers himself and Johnson a packaged deal, called Johnson their unquestionable leader. NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement praising Johnson’s character, compassion, and profound impact on how fans experience the game. The league previously moved away from its decades-long TV deal with TNT in 2024, agreeing to an 11-year, $76 billion rights agreement with Disney/ESPN, NBCUniversal, and Prime Video.