Ernie Johnson Leaving Inside NBA in 2027

Ernie Johnson said Wednesday that he’ll step away from Inside the NBA after the 2026-27 season. He isn’t retiring. Johnson will still work March Madness and other TNT and CBS projects, while building his new production company, 32 Bowties. Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal reacted emotionally on the show, and Adam Silver praised Johnson’s 37 years as host. Johnson joined Turner Sports in 1989 and has become the steady hand behind Inside’s chaos. The six-time Sports Emmy winner will get one final season with the crew after the show’s move to ESPN. Replacing his balance, timing and ability to keep Shaq and Chuck moving will be a massive job.