After months of speculations and tensions, the much-anticipated news finally came. The Inside The NBA will live on! But every great victory has a cost; the show will pay that too by parting ways with TNT. This holds special significance for Ernie Johnson, who’s been the OG of the current 4-man panel of the show for four decades. That’s a journey Ernie cherishes more than most things in life. Now with the NBA All-Star festivities on its final day, the moment presented itself to the veteran analyst to channel all those emotions inside him for one last time. And Ernie made sure, he didn’t miss out on anyone that has touched his life throughout the journey.
During the NBA Legends brunch on the All-Star weekend, Ernie kicked off the proceedings with an emotional message to his colleagues. “Tonight is personal for me. It’s TNT’s last all-star game in what is our last season,” he said with a heavy heart. “We’ve relished every second with this league and you’re the reason. You the players and you the fans who watch us night to night. For 40 years each game each show it’s been a sheer delight. Pointing fingers or placing blame they have no place in this rhyme. Bitterness or ill will come on don’t waste my time. Instead consider gratitude.”
“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
As he spoke about the four-decade journey, his voice cracked. It reflected the deep emotions Ernie felt as he bid farewell to the beloved show to which he had given his heart and soul. To conclude his speech, he made sure to express his gratitude to the most important people who had been crucial to his journey. “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.” Ernie’s voice, pouring through every word of the speech, compelled everyone to stand and shower him with applause.
TNT couldn’t secure the NBA media rights for the upcoming seasons, meaning you won’t be able to watch their show on the same channel. The new season will bring in new partners for the league, with Amazon, NBC, and ESPN taking the rights for the next 11 years.
This is a developing story….
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