Ernie Johnson has been the face of TNT Sports for 35 years. This is especially true when it comes to NBA coverage for the network.
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TNT has lost the rights to cover NBA games, effective at the end of this season. This will end a historic partnership between the two companies.
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TNT started to show NBA games in 1989, and has broadcast some of the greatest games in NBA history. This includes Michael Jordan’s career-high 69-point game.
With TNT’s regular season coverage ending, Johnson gave a heartfelt speech to the Inside the NBA team.
“I want to address all those folks who are watching but also want to do that by addressing… my friends,” Johnson said.
Johnson continued his emotional speech:
“One of the most gratifying things about the whole process is this: We start the NBA on TNT back in 1989, and then we become synonymous with the league. For the fans out there, they think NBA, they think NBA on TNT. That’s why it hurts tonight – to know that’s gone after this next playoff run.
“But I will say this: No time for bitterness. It is time for appreciation. It’s time for gratitude. And it has been my pleasure to be one of your coworkers, one of your teammates, and a part of this family. Love you.”
Inside the NBA’s fate
Despite TNT losing NBA coverage, the league’s most popular show, Inside the NBA, is not over. The show will move over to ESPN next season, and Johnson, along with Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith, will return.
The show will no longer air as frequently as it had on TNT. In fact, it will only be used on high-profile events, like the season opening, Christmas Day games, and the NBA Finals.
Although TNT has lost the rights to broadcast the show, TNT will still produce Inside the NBA from their studio in Atlanta, Georgia. It won’t be quite the same, but fans are relieved that Ernie Johnson and the Inside the NBA crew aren’t disappearing entirely.
