Ernie Johnson to End NBA Show Run but Stay With NCAA Coverage

Ernie Johnson will stop hosting Inside the NBA when the current season ends. The 70-year-old Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer made the announcement on social media on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of a run that began in 1990.

Johnson has been a central figure in basketball media for three decades. He joined Turner Sports in 1989 and took the helm of the program the following year. During that time, he accumulated six Sports Emmy Awards and built a reputation for analyzing the game alongside his co-hosts.

The decision to step back stems from a desire to adjust his workload rather than a full exit from broadcasting. Johnson clarified that he is not retiring and intends to remain active in the industry. He plans to continue covering the NCAA men's basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports, maintaining his presence during the most high-profile college basketball event of the year.

While acknowledging that he has dealt with heart issues in recent years, Johnson stated that his health is not the primary driver for leaving the nightly show. He described the move as a turning point in his career, emphasizing his wish to slow down his pace while staying involved in the sport he has covered for decades.

The broadcaster expressed gratitude to his teams at TNT Sports and ESPN for their support over the years. He also thanked the audience for their continued loyalty and understanding. Johnson said he will cherish the time spent on the show, viewing the departure as a new chapter rather than a final ending.