The 2026-27 season will mark the final run for legendary broadcaster Ernie Johnson on ‘Inside the NBA’, as he announced Wednesday he’s stepping away from the show after that season. For sports fans everywhere, it’s a seismic shift, knowing one of the most consistent and beloved faces in media is dialing back his iconic role.
This Is Not a Retirement, But It’s Still Huge
Johnson himself cleared the air, stating emphatically, “Just to be clear, I’m not retiring. Just cutting back.” He’s not vanishing from our screens completely, which is a small comfort. We’ll still catch him during March Madness and on other projects for TNT and CBS. Plus, he’s just launched a new production company, 32 Bowties, which is all about telling “feel-good stories in sports.” So, while it feels like the end of an era, Johnson calls it “by no means the end. It’s just a turning of the page.” Still, the idea of ‘Inside the NBA’ without EJ at the helm? That’s going to hit hard.
A Legacy Unmatched in Sports Broadcasting
It’s tough to overstate Johnson’s impact. The 70-year-old started his media career way back in 1979, joining Turner Sports in 1989. Since then, he’s been a constant presence, contributing to coverage for some of the biggest events in sports: Wimbledon, the Winter Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, and of course, the MLB and NBA playoffs. He’s not just a talking head, either. Johnson is a six-time Sports Emmy Award winner and was deservedly inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2023. His most enduring role, though, is without a doubt hosting ‘Inside the NBA’, where he has masterfully played the straight man, grounding the hilarious antics of Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal. His departure leaves an undeniable void.
What’s next for ‘Inside the NBA’ is a question that’s going to hang heavy over the 2026-27 season. We’ll get to cherish one more season with EJ guiding the crew, bringing his unique blend of professionalism, wit, and heart. After that, we’ll certainly be keeping an eye on his new production company and his continued work with March Madness. It’s tough news for many, but here’s hoping his “turning of the page” brings even more great sports stories to our screens, just from a different angle.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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