Ernie Johnson has been at TNT since the inception of its NBA coverage. This weekend marks the network’s final NBA All-Star Game, ending a nearly four-decade partnership with the league, including more than 20 years of broadcasting the All-Star Game. Consequently, it’s Johnson’s last chance to host the annual NBA Legends Brunch, a gathering of the game’s greats each year.
As per tradition, Johnson closed the event with a poem. This time, he uniquely expressed his gratitude and farewell to the athletes present as NBC is set to take over hosting duties starting in Los Angeles in 2026. “It’s TNT’s last All-Star Game, in what is our last season. We’ve relished every second with this league, and you’re the reason,” Johnson shared. “You, the players, and you, the fans, who watch us night to night. For 40 years, each game, each show has been a sheer delight. Pointing fingers or placing blame have no place in this rhyme. Bitterness or ill-will, come on. Don’t waste my time. Instead, consider gratitude. We’re thankful and we’re blessed. Our TNT production crew, our backbone, just the best. And so for all my colleagues, every teammate in our ranks, we offer you a simple yet sincere and heartfelt ‘thanks.’”
“For all my colleagues, every teammate in our ranks, we offer you a simple yet sincere and heartfelt thanks.”
EJ begins the NBA Legends Brunch with a signature poem. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zJFUmitskI
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 16, 2025
TNT Sports’ parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, was outbid by NBC and Amazon on a new 11-year, $76 billion broadcast rights package that begins this fall, leading NBC to regain the rights to the All-Star Game. In addition, TNT and the NBA settled a lawsuit last year, allowing the network to retain NBA highlight rights and oversee production for NBA TV.
While this spring’s NBA playoffs will be TNT’s last, Johnson is expected to continue hosting Inside the NBA. ESPN will license the program for marquee NBA events such as opening night, Christmas Day, and the postseason.
In related news, last year, Inside star Charles Barkley revealed that he anticipates Johnson, now 68, might retire soon.
