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2h ago

Barkley Says 2026–27 Will Be His Final Inside the NBA Season If Ernie Johnson Steps Down

He told a podcast that his plan is linked to Johnson’s reported retirement and that their exits would force succession and business decisions for the long-running show.

Charles Barkley is pictured at the 2026 NBA Finals. Courtesy: Derek Futterman, Sports Media Watch
Oct 28, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley greets fans during a Ring of Honor half time ceremony of the game against the Utah Jazz at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports.
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Charles Barkley says -- again -- that he will retire from broadcasting, this time following the 2025-26 NBA campaign, Image 2 shows Inside the NBA broadcasts live before a game on October 24, 2023 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
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Overview

  • On Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, Charles Barkley told The Bill Simmons Podcast that he expects the 2026–27 season to be his last on Inside the NBA unless Ernie Johnson changes his mind.
  • Barkley said Johnson told him he planned to retire after two years, and Barkley framed their roles as a package deal that would lead him to leave if Johnson does not continue.
  • Ernie Johnson has not publicly confirmed any retirement timeline, so Barkley’s podcast remarks are currently the primary source for Johnson’s reported plans.
  • Barkley said his recent decision to stay was meant to be a bridge to the ESPN-licensed era and to help longtime production staff keep their jobs, a choice that shaped his negotiating and network talks.
  • If both depart after 2026–27 it would mark a major transition for a show that moved from TNT to ESPN in 2025–26 and would prompt ESPN, TNT Sports and the NBA rights holders to address succession, format and business arrangements.