Surprising news came down the NBA pipeline on Friday, September 4, when reports circulated that Charles Barkley expects the upcoming 2026–27 season to be his final season on “Inside the NBA.”
He also revealed that longtime host Ernie Johnson might also step away from the show after the season.
Johnson turned 70 in August. Barkley is 63 himself and has made it clear in the past that he is not trying to work for much longer.
The news led to reactions from several social media users.
NBA Fans React to Charles Barkley’s Retirement Comments
Barkley’s comments came via the September 3 episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” where he mentioned he plans to retire if Johnson does, saying the two are a “package deal.” While it’s possible they change their minds, fans believe their leaving could be the end of an era.
One fan lamented the news with a strong statement.
This is the death of Inside the NBA as we know it. I’m in shambles https://t.co/NiHWx2FSCn
— Jacob Hitz (@jacobhitzTV) September 4, 2026
“This is the death of Inside the NBA as we know it,” Jacob Hitz wrote. “I’m in shambles.”
The sentiment was echoed by another user as well, who said: “End of an era. They should just cancel the show when Chuck and Ernie depart.”
“Inside the NBA” aired on selected dates after the move to ESPN and ABC last season, with TNT Sports continuing to produce the show. That alone marked a big change in the show’s schedule.
One fan noted how that move to ESPN felt like the beginning of the end.
ESPN really took a lot of out of the soul of this show. I think people will be fine with it being discontinued now. It was painful to watch last season, but I won’t lie, it was cool to see them cover an NBA Final. https://t.co/Dt1QXQ22WY
— Negro Libre (@NegroLibre1) September 4, 2026
“ESPN really took a lot out of the soul of this show,” they began. “I think people will be fine with it being discontinued now. It was painful to watch last season, but I won’t lie, it was cool to see them cover an NBA Finals.”
Another user called out ESPN for the same thing, speculating: “I knew it wouldn’t last long after the ESPN transition. Shaq and Kenny will stay on for paychecks, but it’s effectively dead in spirit after Chuck and Ernie leave.”
One die-hard welcomed the possibility of a new generation taking the lead.
I appreciate that he isnt hanging on any longer. Let the new generation take the lead.
I wish more would take that approach. https://t.co/Y9HBPMiLq6
— Bill Hoyle ™️ (@_BillyHoyleofNJ) September 4, 2026
“I appreciate that he isn’t hanging on any longer,” they wrote. “Let the new generation take the lead. I wish more would take that approach.”
Some of the users found the possibility to be sad news, as a fun era of NBA coverage could be coming to an end. A fan summed up his emotions regarding the news with: “So this sucks.”
While Johnson has not publicly announced his retirement at the time of reporting, Barkley seems to believe this could be the pair’s final season with the show.
