Legendary NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski has decided to retire from ESPN. Wojnarowski broke the news on his own X account after seven years with the company.
-30- pic.twitter.com/bFeFL61s1c
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 18, 2024
In a separate announcement, Wojnarowski said he will take over as the general manager of the men’s basketball program at St. Bonaventure. The Connecticut native went to the university and graduated in 1991. Wojnarowski calls it “a thrill of a lifetime” to return to his alum.
“It is a thrill of a lifetime to be able to return to a university and community that I love in a role of service to our student-athletes, coaches and institution,” Wojnarowski told ESPN. “I am hopeful that I can bring value in a lot of areas to our basketball program and open doors for our young men’s futures in ways both professionally and personally.”
Wojnarowski had been active in the industry since 1986. Most notably, he spent 10 years at Yahoo before joining ESPN.
Adrian Wojnarowski Announces Shocking Career Change
Basketball World Reacts to Adrian Wojnarowski’s Retirement
Many personalities around the basketball world reacted to Wojnarowski’s shocking retirement. This includes Stephen A. Smith, who worked alongside him on ESPN.
Stephen A. Smith reacts to the news of Adrian Wojnarowski’s sudden retirement from ESPN.
“I’m happy for him, but I’m sad for us as a network because it’s a devastating loss for us to not have him.” pic.twitter.com/m6jBieq5tG
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 18, 2024
Jay Bilas, who also works for ESPN, called Wojnarowski “the best to ever do it.”
The best to ever do it. No colleague I respect more, and nobody has matched his impact in the business. One thing is certain, all of St. Bonaventure’s decisions will be FULLY INFORMED with Woj at the helm. Congrats Woj, and thank you. https://t.co/r6i8FsemZI
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) September 18, 2024
Paul George, current Philadelphia 76ers star, also took to social media to congratulate Wojnarowski on his illustrious journalist career.
The man who knew everything.
Congrats to Woj on a legendary career 🫡 pic.twitter.com/nsiKpTYl5X
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) September 18, 2024
How ESPN Will Replace Adrian Wojnarowski
Wojnarowski’s departure is a big loss for the company. He is arguably the most-respected insider across all leagues, especially for the NBA. However, it seems they already have their “Woj” replacement in sight. According to reporter Michael McCarthy, ESPN is eying The Athletic’s Shams Charania and TNT’s Chris Haynes to replace Wojnarowski.
“My sources tell me ESPN will likely talk to Shams Charania, Wojanrowski’s former Yahoo Sports protégé, and former ESPNer Chris Haynes. Both are pending free agents, according to the New York Post. The 30-year-old Charania’s deals with The Athletic, Stadium, and FanDuel are all up. Ditto for the 42-year-old Haynes, who has plenty of on-camera experience at TNT,” McCarthy said.
Besides Wojnarowski, Charania is arguably the most well-known insider in the NBA currently. As McCarthy mentions, he is a known protégé of Wojnarowski, so Charania becoming his replacement would make sense. On the other hand, Haynes previously worked at ESPN and has been with TNT for the last five years. Both insiders are set to hit their own free agency soon. While Charania’s status is more undecided, Haynes reportedly is expected to leave TNT no matter what.
