Ernie Johnson to Leave Inside the NBA After 2027

The longtime host announces his plan to depart the basketball program at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 season.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Basketball

Ernie Johnson to Leave Inside the NBA After 2027

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Host Ernie Johnson will conclude his 37-year run on Inside the NBA after the 2026-2027 season ends. The 70-year-old broadcaster announced his future departure in a video posted to X.

Why it matters

Johnson is stepping away from the long-running show because the required preparation has become more challenging than enjoyable. He intends to prioritize spending time with his family following his recent health struggles.

Ernie Johnson has served as the host of Inside the NBA for a tenure of 37 years. The broadcaster is currently 70 years old.

The players

Ernie Johnson

He is a veteran sports broadcaster who has anchored Inside the NBA for nearly four decades.

32 Bowties

This is a production company led by Ernie Johnson that remains part of his professional portfolio.

The details

Johnson faced heart issues over the past two years, which included undergoing bypass surgery. While he is leaving this specific program, he will continue his work on March Madness assignments and with his production company, 32 Bowties.

Between 2024 and 2026, Johnson navigated health issues, including bypass surgery.
At the end of the 2026-2027 season, Ernie Johnson will exit the Inside the NBA program.

Season Trajectory

Johnson's exit follows the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance, signaling a shift in the network's long-term talent strategy. This move reshapes the future broadcast identity of the network's premier basketball programming.

Viewers can expect a significant change in the familiar on-air dynamic of the show beginning with the 2027-2028 season. Johnson will remain an active voice in basketball media through his continuing assignments for March Madness.

The takeaway

Johnson's career serves as a reminder of the toll that high-intensity professional broadcasting can take on personal health. His transition emphasizes the importance of balancing long-term career commitments with family and wellness priorities.