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Ernie Johnson announced that he will be stepping away from the iconic Inside the NBA studio program after 37 years at the conclusion of this season.
“Totally my decision. It’s just time,” Johnson said in a video posted to X/Twitter.
Nevertheless, he said why he knew it was time to walk away from the NBA job.
“I’ve always prided myself on my preparation,” Johnson said. “The hours I put in every day getting ready for the next show. I’ve always loved that part of my job but I’ve always vowed that if that became more of a challenge than it is a joy, I’ll know it’s time to step away.”
Johnson, 70, also revealed that heart issues, including a bypass surgery, over the past two years have been a “contributing factor” in his decision. While he said his health is not in immediate danger, he wants to spend more time with his family.
ESPN began licensing Inside the NBA from TNT last season after the latter network lost out on NBA rights with the league signing new deals with Amazon and NBC. TNT’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, was recently acquired by Paramount Skydance.
Johnson’s future with the program had been in question after Charles Barkley—one of the analysts on the program, along with Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith—has said in interviews that it could be the host’s last season. Barkley has repeatedly alluded to his own retirement plans.
In the video, Johnson said he is not retiring, and will still be around for March Madness and other assignments for TNT and CBS, as well as working with his production company, 32 Bowties.
“This is by no means the end—it’s just a turning of the page,” Johnson said.
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