The NBA on TNT era is coming to a close. On Tuesday, Adam Lefkoe delivered an emotional farewell, and two nights later, Ernie Johnson, who has been the voice of the network’s NBA coverage for over 30 years, did the same. While Inside the NBA isn’t disappearing completely, ESPN has acquired the rights to license the show, marking the end of its legendary run under the Warner Bros. Discovery banner. With NBA broadcast rights shifting to NBC and Amazon, TNT’s iconic presence in the league’s media landscape will conclude after this year’s playoffs.
The network’s final regular season send-off from Johnson was a poignant tribute to a show that transformed sports television. “I want to address all those folks who are watching, but also want to do that by addressing my friends,” Johnson expressed. He recalled his first day in July 1989, walking into The Mansion, noting how it all began with Ted Turner’s vision. He recognized that they joined an entertainment network that showcased sports, leading them to prove their worth every night against heavyweights like NBC, ABC, and CBS.
“It’ll never change. One of the most gratifying things about this journey is how since ’89, we’ve become synonymous with the league.” You can’t discuss NBA coverage in the last few decades without mentioning TNT, and Johnson emphasized, “For fans who think NBA, they think NBA on TNT. That’s why it’s painful to know this will end after the next playoff run.” He added, “But there’s no room for bitterness; it’s a time for appreciation and gratitude. It has been my pleasure to be one of your co-workers, teammates, and a part of this family. Love you.”
“It has been my pleasure to be one of your coworkers, one of your teammates, and a part of this family” ❤️
Ernie Johnson with a heartfelt speech to honor the journey of NBA on TNT. pic.twitter.com/NId2p3jJjr
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 10, 2025
As the games will continue without TNT, the benchmark it set will be hard to match. Johnson reminded everyone that the significance of TNT’s journey with the NBA goes beyond just the games themselves.
