Charles Barkley Holds Back Tears After Ernie Johnson Announces End to 37-Year Inside the NBA Career

When ESPN brokered a deal to keep Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and host Ernie Johnson on Inside the NBA, fans rejoiced. It gave the network a lot of goodwill, since the NBA’s new media rights deal threatened to end it before any of the quartet wanted to quit.

In fact, Barkley announced his retirement in protest and called out the league for being ‘greedy.’ He alleged that they moved on from TNT simply because they wanted the biggest pie possible.

That was a disservice to fans, as they had been glued to TNT for more than two decades. Thankfully, the bickering stopped, Barkley pulled back his retirement announcement, and fans were happy again to see the quartet go at each other on TV.

However, rumors suggested the Round Mound of Rebound could be done after two years with ESPN. He had already decided on his life after television, but that media rights deal blew up his plans.

Now, he has made it clear before the start of the season that the 2026-27 campaign would be his last. Unsurprisingly, Ernie Johnson decided to follow suit and announced on social media that his 37-year run on the show would end.

That was tough. We knew the day was coming. It’s still tough. Been here for 26-27 years. It’s been an honour and a privilege to work with you… It’s been an amazing journey. You’ve been our leader.

Charles Barkley said

This was the generally sass-mouthed Barkley choking and holding back tears as he gave Johnson his heartfelt praise for being there as Inside the NBA’s heart and soul. Charles Barkley might be up next to announce, but his choking showed how much he valued and appreciated Johnson.

Charles Barkley will also leave Inside the NBA at the end of the season

While Ernie Johnson announcing the end of his tenure will shock fans, what will be even more shocking is when Charles Barkley, too, walks away from Inside the NBA.

Me and Ernie are a package deal… If Ernie (Johnson) retires, I’m done.

Barkley told Bill Simmons

Even though he has indicated that he will retire after the end of the season, this revelation last month to Bill Simmons while speaking on the latter’s podcast was the clearest indication that Barkley will leave the moment Johnson made his decision.

Charles Barkley told Bill Simmons last month that he will retire once Ernie does. “Me and Ernie are a package deal.” https://t.co/xSnLcbbQp4

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 28, 2026

Now, the main question among fans is about the show’s future. Johnson and Charles Barkley were the two biggest draws even with the presence of Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith.

Collectively, the quartet’s chemistry, helmed and moderated by Johnson, helped Inside the NBA win numerous Emmy Awards and become a household name. Without the two, the show’s future might be in the air.

Draymond Green gives Ernie Johnson his flowers

The trio of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith weren’t the only Inside the NBA crew members to give Ernie Johnson his praise. Part-time analyst Draymond Green took to his namesake podcast to say this:

I say this with all due respect… he is the best point guard I’ve ever played with. That’s no disrespect to the great Steph Curry… Ernie Johnson on a set is as incredible as they come… This guy is amazing… So I tip my cap to him heading into his last year.

Draymond Green said

The Golden State Warriors forward reiterated that what Johnson means to the show is beyond comprehension. Therefore, there are doubts about how it will pan out once the 70-year-old leaves.

Draymond reacts to Ernie Johnson’s retirement "Having an opportunity to work with Ernie on the set with those guys and I say this with all due respect, (Ernie) is the best point guard I’ve ever played with and that’s no disrespect to the great Steph Curry… Ernie Johnson on a set is as incredible as they come… this guy is amazing and so I tip my cap to him heading into his last year."

— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) October 28, 2026

Green also added that he does not see a chance for Barkley to remain now that Johnson has announced his eventual departure. This could be an indication that the show will feature an all-new cast next season, if it continues.

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