Ernie Johnson says this is his final season as 'Inside the NBA' host

TV personality Ernie Johnson has officially announced that he will be stepping away from his role as the host of 'Inside the NBA'. According to reports from theScore, this decision means the 2026-27 season will serve as his final year with the program. Johnson shared this update regarding his retirement plans through a video, as noted by Bleacher Report. The announcement marks the end of a tenure that has spanned 37 seasons, a detail highlighted by News 9 in its coverage of the broadcaster's departure from the show. ESPN and Yahoo Sports both confirmed that this current year will be the final time Johnson hosts the show.

Additionally, WCVB and Sports Media Watch reported that the personality is leaving the program at the end of the season. The consistency across these diverse outlets emphasizes the significance of Johnson's departure from the broadcast team, which has become a staple of basketball coverage over the last several decades. To understand the weight of this announcement, coverage points to the longevity of Johnson's career, specifically the 37 seasons he has spent with the production. This long-term presence has established him as a central figure of 'Inside the NBA'. The news of his retirement is not occurring in isolation, as reports from News 9 suggest that other key members of the broadcast may be affected by this transition.

Specifically, the coverage indicates that Charles Barkley could potentially follow Johnson in stepping away from the program. Looking ahead, the focus will remain on Johnson's performance and presence throughout the 2026-27 season. While Johnson has provided updates on his retirement plans via video, coverage does not yet specify the exact date of his final broadcast or the specific nature of his plans after the season ends. Observers will likely monitor whether Charles Barkley officially confirms a similar departure, as suggested by News 9, and how the production intends to handle the vacancy left by the host after nearly four decades of service.