Ernie Johnson has been at TNT as long as the NBA has.
This weekend marks the network’s final NBA All-Star Game, as it gets set to end its partnership with the league after nearly four decades (including more than 20 airing the All-Star Game). That means it is also Johnson’s final opportunity to host the annual NBA Legends Brunch, where the game’s greats gather each year.
As per his tradition, Johnson closed the event with a poem. But this one had a unique touch, as Johnson also used the opportunity to thank and bid farewell to the athletes in the room as NBC takes over as host starting in L.A. 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 said.
“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.'”
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. As part of that deal, NBC will retake rights to the All-Star Game.
TNT and the NBA settled a lawsuit by the network last year with an agreement that will see the network maintain NBA highlight rights and production oversight of NBA TV.
While this spring’s NBA playoffs will be TNT’s last, Johnson is expected to continue to host Inside the NBA. ESPN will license the program going forward for marquee NBA events, including opening night, Christmas Day, the postseason and more.
Last year, Inside star Charles Barkley revealed that he expects Johnson, 68, to retire before long.
About Brendon Kleen
Brendon is a Media Commentary staff writer at Awful Announcing. He has also covered basketball and sports business at Front Office Sports, SB Nation, Uproxx and more.