Adrian Wojnarowski is out.
And now the focus turns to his replacement.
ESPN is “likely” to talk to fellow NBA insiders Shams Charania and Chris Haynes about a potential role, sources told Front Office Sports, following Wojnarowski’s stunning decision Wednesday to retire from ESPN and the news industry to become the general manager for alma mater St. Bonaventure’s men’s basketball team.
The Post’s Ryan Glasspiegel first reported that both Charania‘s (The Athletic) and Haynes‘ (TNT) contracts are expiring this year.
Wojarnowski, 55, established himself in his career as the go-to voice for NBA breaking news, spanning his time with ESPN, Yahoo Sports and The Record.
He’s reportedly walking away from roughly $20 million, per The Athletic.
It’s a tall task to replace him but ESPN has the resources to make a splashy move, provided it does not look to its cast of in-house reporters.
Charania could be a natural fit since he has a strong history of breaking top stories, with many NBA fans debating whether Wojnarowski or Charania holds the crown.
He also possesses a strong social media presence with 2.3 million X followers and video experience that would help with this critical position.
The Post reported in July that his contract with The Athletic was set to expire in a month or two, and he has since left Stadium with his status with both The Athletic and FanDuel uncertain.
His X profile states he still works for both companies.
The potential juicy subplot to a potential move is that Charania and Wojnarowski had a much-publicized fallout after working together at Yahoo Sports.
Haynes is a free agent after his five-year run with TNT and also possesses a wide variety of skills spanning both print and video.
He has a strong writing background, having written for Yahoo and Bleacher Report.
ESPN has roughly one month to make a hire if it plans to have someone in place for the season opener when the NBA champion Celtics welcome the Knicks on Oct. 22.
Chairman Jimmy Pitaro did not indicate how ESPN will pivot in a statement thanking Wojnarowski.
Sources told Glasspiegel this news came as a “surprise” to ESPN.
Some learned of the news right before his X post, while others key figures within the company only learned of Wojnarowski’s decision at the same time as the rest of the world.
Pitaro and other company leadership support Wojnarowski’s decision, per sources.
“I’ve known and admired Woj since we first worked together at Yahoo! in 2007. His work ethic is second to none. He’s extraordinarily talented and fearless. He has led the industry at ESPN, and his dedication to the craft and to fans is legendary,” Pitaro said. “While we will miss his daily output, we completely understand his decision to make a lifestyle change and slow down a bit. We know he will continue to thrive in this next chapter, and he has our collective gratitude and support.”
