ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan has emerged as a change of pace candidate to replace Adrian Wojnarowski’s duties in the NBA.
Earlier this month, the iconic NBA pundit retired from his duties and left journalism entirely to become the general manager of the men’s basketball program at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure.
In the wake of Wojnarowski’s departure, Passan is being considered to become ESPN’s primary NBA newscaster, six anonymous sources briefed on the discussion said. The Athletic.
Although the replacement is not yet finalized, ESPN has other NBA experts, Ramona Shelburne, Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps, on its roster.
Charania, a former trainee of Wojnarowski and The Athletic NBA Insider Shams, is another top candidate for the job. ESPN declined Athletic’s request for comment.
ESPN MLB expert Jeff Passan has become a candidate to replace Adrian Wojnarowski
Wojnarowski unexpectedly retired from journalism to work at his alma mater San Buenaventura.
Passan followed the same path as Wojnarowski by becoming a pundit at Yahoo Sports before jumping to ESPN. Passan reportedly earns around $1 million a year.
On the other hand, Wojnarowski left $20 million on his contract with ESPN to accept a $7 million per season contract with his alma mater.
In addition to potentially getting a pay raise, his supposed role change comes as ESPN and the NBA agreed to an 11-year extension for the network to host the NBA Finals.
While basketball continues to thrive in the world’s sports leader, its partnership with MLB is at a fragile stage. While ESPN could remain in the MLB business, longevity is not guaranteed. He has a buyout clause in his current contract, which is $540 million per season, which he is expected to use or threaten to use at the end of next season.
Should Passan trade dirt for hardwood, ESPN has other baseball insiders in Buster Olney and Jesse Rogers. According to The Athletic’s sources, Passan is aware of the interest but remains undecided.
Athletic’s Shams Charania also has serious chances of filling the vacancy at ESPN
Charania, whose contract with The Athletic is up, is also drawing interest from new NBA rights owner NBC, according to sources. FanDuelTV would also like to continue with the NBA expert.
Charania previously worked for Stadium and recently signed on to add his voice to NBA 2k.
While The Athletic hopes to retain Charania, he has the backing of Pat McAfee at ESPN, as he regularly appears on the latter’s show.
“We are not at all surprised by the interest in Shams, whose indispensable coverage of the NBA and its key players continues to set the pace,” Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, said in a statement. “We are proud to have him as our colleague and are committed to ensuring he remains with The Athletic for years to come.”
