Ernie Johnson Retiring from ‘Inside the NBA’ as He Reveals Ongoing Heart Issues

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NEED TO KNOW

  • Ernie Johnson is leaving Inside the NBA
  • The longtime host announced that this season will be his last on the long-running program
  • Johnson, 70, has steered the show for 37 years

After 37 years, Ernie Johnson is retiring from Inside the NBA — but he’s not hanging up his bow tie just yet.

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The longtime host of the TNT-turned-ESPN program — who has deftly led discussions and run interference for analysts Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal for decades — announced on Wednesday, Oct. 28 that this season will be his last at the helm.

“It’s just time,” Johnson, 70, said in a social media post. “It’s been an honor to share so many nights, decades actually, at the desk with my brothers Kenny, Charles and Shaq. And with our production crews who are so talented and devoted, and I so appreciate the leadership at TNT and ESPN for allowing the show to continue.”

He continued, “So why now? Total honesty here. I’ve always prided myself on my preparation. The hours I put in every day getting ready for the next show. I’ve always loved that part of my job. But I 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.”

Johnson shared he has been dealing with “heart issues” for nearly two years, having had bypass surgery 14 months ago — but that it’s not the reason why he’s stepping back.

“I feel great, so this isn’t a case where my doctor said you need to stop working, nothing like that,” Johnson said. “But here’s the deal. Going through that has made me treasure even more every second with my amazing wife of 44 years, Cheryl Ann, and being Poppy to our five grandchildren.”

Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley during Game 5 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals on May 29, 2025 in New York City.
Credit: David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty

Johnson said he wanted to “slow down a bit” to spend more time with his family. The broadcaster added he will “still do March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS.”

Johnson’s announcement may impact at least one other key personality on the show.

During an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast last month, Barkley teased that the coming year would be Johnson’s final season — and that he planned to follow suit.

“Me and Ernie are a package deal,” Barkley told Simmons.

Johnson had another way to describe the end of his own era on the program. 

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“So this is by no means the end, it’s just a turning of the page,” he said. “And I’ll forever cherish every chapter we have written with Inside the NBA.”

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