Ernie Johnson’s been one of the leading voices on the best basketball breakdown show in the business, “Inside the NBA,” for over three decades. However, the iconic sports media voice is taking a step back from his on-air duties in 2027.
Johnson made the dramatic, but anticipated, reveal on Wednesday with the 2026-27 NBA season already in progress. His trademark bowties are no longer going to be a part of basketball fans’ weeknight viewing.
That’s caused many in the NBA community to wonder what comes next for “Inside the NBA.” TNT still owns the popular program, but ESPN also has an 11-year agreement to feature the show.
Johnson first debuted on the program back in 1990, and has been the most constant character on a show that emphasizes fun and chaos alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny “The Jet” Smith.
MORE: ‘Inside the NBA’ produced funniest segment of ESPN run in latest ‘Who He Play For?’
Here are four of the top names that TNT could look to utilize in order to succeed the retiring broadcaster.
4 best replacements for Ernie Johnson
It’s time.
🤟🤟🏾🤟🏻🤟🏽 https://t.co/h1qNwsnkUY— Ernie Johnson (@TurnerSportsEJ) October 28, 2026
Adam Lefkoe
Lefkoe’s a popular figure at TNT, and likely the leading candidate given that he’s hosted “Inside the NBA” in the past. His relationship with O’Neal is strong as well after hosting “The Big Podcast” alongside the former NBA champion. Meanwhile, his personality is perfect to feed off the show’s other personalties.
Nate Burleson
The former NFL wide receiver’s shown his versatility over the years as a news anchor and football analyst for CBS. Meanwhile, he’s also gotten involved during college basketball season and has the electric vibe to fit the rest of the NBA crew. He’d be an interesting wild card for the gig.
Mike Greenberg
The “Get Up” and “Sunday NFL Countdown” host doesn’t have the same workload that he used to during his early ESPN days. His NBA involvement from years past makes him a logical name to be considered once Johnson steps back. However, TNT and ESPN would need to come to some sort of arrangement to make this happen.
MORE: NBA legend Charles Barkley plans to step back from public life
Pat McAfee
This one wouldn’t be shocking at all given how much ESPN viewers already see the former NFL punter on their screens. However, McAfee’s stretched thin during the fall and winter with his contributions on “College GameDay” as well as “Monday Night Football” coverage.
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