Ernie Johnson to leave Inside the NBA after final season

Ernie Johnson will conclude his tenure as host of Inside the NBA at the close of the current season. The Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer made the announcement on social media on Wednesday, ending a thirty-six year run on the program.

Johnson, 70, explained that the decision marks a transition rather than a full retirement. He stated, “It’s just time,” and clarified, “This is by no means the end. It’s just a turning of the page.” He added that he intends to continue working, specifically planning to cover the NCAA men’s basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports.

The six-time Sports Emmy Award winner has been affiliated with Turner Sports since 1989 and has hosted Inside the NBA since 1990. In his post, Johnson addressed health factors directly. He acknowledged dealing with heart issues in recent years but insisted that was not the reason for his departure from the show. Instead, he said, “I just want to slow down a bit.”

Johnson expressed gratitude to his production teams at TNT Sports and ESPN, as well as the audience. He told viewers, “I just want to say thanks to you. Thanks for your loyalty, for your love, for your support. And on this day, for your understanding.”

The broadcaster described his time on the show as a cherished chapter. He wrote, “And I’ll forever cherish every chapter we have written with ‘Inside the NBA.’” No replacement host has been named to succeed him on the show.