Ernie Johnson to Retire From 'Inside the NBA' After 37 Years

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Ernie Johnson to End His 37-Year Run With Inside the NBA

Legendary NBA broadcaster Ernie Johnson announced on X that he will end his 37-year run with the Inside the NBA crew after this season. Johnson, who recently turned 70, said, “It’s just time.”

Johnson also revealed that he dealt with heart issues and underwent bypass surgery 14 months ago. The experience made him realize that he wants to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.

His ability to manage the personalities around him helped make Inside the NBA an exceptional studio show. Before Shaquille O’Neal joined the program, Johnson worked alongside Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, occasionally welcoming special guests. O’Neal later became part of the show and added to its success.

Johnson excelled at sitting back, distributing the conversation and allowing Barkley, Smith and O’Neal to be themselves. His approach has influenced other studio programs, but attempts to emulate Inside the NBA have never matched its chemistry.

Although Johnson is stepping away from Inside the NBA, he said he will continue working in the studio during the NCAA tournament in March. He will also work on projects for CBS and TNT.

The show will continue, with Barkley and O’Neal expected to remain, but replacing Johnson will be difficult. His successor will need to navigate the personalities of Smith, O’Neal and Barkley without trying to become one of them.

Johnson said he always planned to continue until he no longer wanted to prepare for the show. Once he lost that desire, he knew it was time to stop. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy after a long career as one of sports television’s great studio hosts.