ESPN has its replacement for NBA insider Anthony Wojnarowski, and they seem to be moving toward the obvious choice.
Shams Charania has agreed to join ESPN as the new NBA insider, he confirmed Monday. Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports had previously reported that the two sides were in talks and close to an agreement.
McCarthy added that top ESPN personality Pat McAfee had been a strong backer of Charania and has publicly urged the network to make the hire. This has at least somewhat influenced top ESPN executives, suggesting that McAfee definitely has some level of influence at the network.
I am honored to join ESPN as the company’s Senior NBA Insider. I can’t wait to be part of an incredible group of colleagues at ESPN and serve the sports audience worldwide. pic.twitter.com/sBDFGIpkb6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 7, 2024
Charania was always the most obvious choice for ESPN after Wojnarowski announced his surprising retirement last month. While the two were rivals on the beat, Charania is essentially the only reporter out there who could consistently match Wojnarowski on the breaking news front.
ESPN reportedly considered some highly unorthodox options to replace Wojnarowski. Ultimately, they appear likely to go a more straightforward route.
