Ernie Johnson, 70, Is Leaving NBA Show: ‘It’s Just Time’

Ernie Johnson is stepping away from Inside the NBA after 37 seasons. The broadcaster, 70, announced his decision in an Oct. 28 video, explaining that heart surgery and the demands of the job had led him to conclude it was time. 

“This will be my last season,” he said. “Totally my decision. It’s just time.”

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Johnson will finish the 2026–27 season on the show, which airs on ESPN and ABC.

In his announcement, Johnson called his health a contributing factor.

“For nearly two years now, I’ve dealt with heart issues. Had bypass surgery 14 months ago. Still trying to get this thing to beat exactly the way it should. And we’re getting there; I feel great,” he said. “So this isn’t the case where my doctor said, ‘Hey, you need to stop working.’ It’s nothing like that.”

Another contributing factor: Wanting to spend more time with his wife and five grandchildren: “I just want to slow down a bit, spend more time enjoying that,” he said.

He also explained that he set his own test for when to leave. Preparing for each broadcast takes hours, work he has long enjoyed.

“But I’ve always vowed that if that ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I’ll know it’s time to step away,” he said. “And now after 37 seasons, it’s time.”

Johnson became the full-time host of Inside the NBA in 1990, anchoring a show that pairs basketball analysis with the banter, in recent years, of Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal. The program has won 21 Sports Emmy Awards.

In a video posted on Oct. 29, Barkley had one simple sentiment to share: “Thank you … for being our leader for all these years.”

Added O’Neal: “All we can say is thank you. We appreciate you and we’re going to miss you and we will see you around. But thanks for the great run. I never thought this day would happen. I didn’t even know you were 70.”

Johnson’s departure from that desk will end one assignment in a broadcasting career that has included NBA, baseball and NCAA tournament coverage.

“Just to be clear, I’m not retiring; just cutting back,” he said in his video.

He will continue working on men’s college basketball’s March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS. He has also started a production company, 32 Bowties, focused on positive stories in sports.

What cutting back can look like

Johnson’s decision reflects the appeal of phased retirement: reducing your workload without giving up work altogether.

“There are so many ways you can utilize your experience,” career coach Shveta Miglani told AARP, pointing to consulting, joining advisory boards and nonprofit work.

For people who want to stay with their employer, retirement coach Joe Casey recommended proposing an arrangement that benefits both sides. Spell out which responsibilities you’ll keep, how many hours you’ll work and what will happen to your pay and benefits.

The planning should extend beyond the job. Phyllis Moen, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota and Cornell University, told AARP that trouble can come when “we’re retiring from something and not retiring to something.”

Johnson has identified what he wants that time for: his wife and grandchildren, alongside the broadcasting work he plans to keep.