“I’d Love to Host This Show”: CBS Sideline Reporter Tries Her Shot at ‘Inside the NBA’ After Ernie Johnson Confirms Retirement

While Ernie Johnson’s retirement announcement as Inside the NBA’s longtime host brought NBA icons like Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal to tears, CBS Sports analyst and sideline reporter Ashley Nicole Moss was confident she could fill the gap Johnson will leave.

“NO ONE can replace Ernie,” the 33-year-old reporter took to X on October 29, 2026. “But … I’d love to host this show or the new version of it.”

Moss’s admission initially came in response to another X post that listed five prospects who could replace Johnson. Notably, ESPN hosts Scott Van Pelt, Mike Greenberg, and Malika Andrews; former NFL star and current CBS analyst Nate Burleson; and, lastly, TNT Sports personality and podcaster Adam Lefkoe.

Comparatively, Moss also has a resume that speaks for itself. Apart from her contribution to CBS, she co-hosts BET’s “106 & Sports” alongside Cam Newton and has been a radio personality at iHeartRadio in the past (hosting “The Greek Zone” on FOX Sports 940). She has also been immensely successful with NBC, Sports Illustrated, and I Am Athlete.

So, definitely a talent who can bring her own charm to the show. However, it will not be easy to replace Johnson’s 37-year legacy, during which he watched the league evolve for three decades before stepping away to prioritize other things. Something he knew he’d had the time come.

“I've always prided myself on my preparation, the hours I put in every day getting ready for the next show,” he announced on X. “I've always loved that part of my job, and I vowed that if that ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I know it's time to step away. Now, after 37 seasons, it's time.”

Moreover, the gradual decline in health was another reason. Johnson, who dealt with heart issues for “nearly two years,” wanted to cherish more moments and spend more time with his family. Though he assured that he would commit to the March Madness and other TNT and CBS projects, the Inside the NBA crew has no other option but to find a replacement.

Or do what sports writer Brian Drake suggested.

“The best person to replace Ernie Johnson on ‘Inside The NBA’ is … No one,” he took to X. “Just end the show. You can't replace the magic. Anyone else is a less-than, knockoff.”

Well, who can blame Drake? Johnson, who has personally won eight Sports Emmys for Outstanding Sports Personality and Studio Host, leading the crew to a total of 21 wins, has simply been the best ever to sit at the desk.

He was the one who made Kenny Smith feel like he could “win a championship,” was an “unquestionable leader” to Barkley, and the reason why Shaq showed up for the broadcast.

So, “replacing” him is set to change the essence of the show that’s basically his legacy now.

But as Moss said, maybe carrying on that legacy thereafter will still be an option if the team manages to build a new essence around the new host. And if it happens, they’d know who to call.