Ernie Johnson, beloved host of Inside the NBA, to step away from show at end of season

Ernie Johnson, the widely loved host of Inside the NBA, has announced he will step away at the end of the current season after 37 years in the role.

Johnson made the announcement on social media on Wednesday.

“This is by no means the end,” Johnson said. “It’s just a turning of the page, and I’ll forever cherish every chapter we have written with Inside the NBA. And lastly, 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 70-year-old said he had undergone bypass surgery 14 months ago and wants to spend time with his wife and grandchildren. He has dealt with a series of health issues during his career. In 2003, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and he missed presenting duties during the 2018 MLB playoffs due to blood clots in his legs.

Johnson joined Inside the NBA in 1990 and works alongside arguably the most popular panel of analysts in US sports: former NBA stars Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal. Barkley has said he will retire from the show at the end of this season.

During its run, Inside the NBA has won 19 Sports Emmys. In 2025 it moved from its longtime home on on Turner networks to ABC and ESPN.