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It could be one of the biggest surprises in sports media since Adrian Wojnarowski announced his retirement from journalism: Adam Schefter is reportedly being considered as a replacement for Wojnarowski as ESPN’s senior NBA insider, sources told Front Office Sports.
In this intriguing possibility, Schefter, known for his dominance as the top NFL news-breaker, would cover both the NFL and NBA, becoming what one source described as the “Ultimate Insider.” Schefter has already dabbled in NBA reporting, having appeared as a sideline reporter during ESPN’s NBA broadcasts in the past.
While this development is far from certain, there appears to be interest on both sides, according to multiple sources. However, another high-ranking source has denied the rumor, stating that Schefter is not currently a candidate for the role. Schefter, who reportedly enjoys his current NFL responsibilities, may not be eager to take on such a demanding dual role, which would likely require a significant salary increase. His current contract, signed in 2022, already pays him $9 million annually, according to the New York Post.
At 57 years old, Schefter is one of the most influential and well-connected insiders in U.S. sports. He has a massive following on social media, with 11.2 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), surpassing Wojnarowski’s 6.5 million, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport with 4.6 million, and Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer with 1.2 million.
Schefter’s potential involvement in NBA coverage isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. He’s known to be passionate about breaking news and thrives on tackling the biggest stories. Covering both the NFL and NBA—two of ESPN’s most important sports leagues—would present a formidable challenge, but one that could further cement his reputation.
“Adam is the best insider in the business—the best there’s ever been,” said a source. “If you’re going to replace Woj, why not go with the best?”
In fact, Schefter’s love for basketball is no secret. Back in 2016, Sports Illustrated’s Peter King reported that Schefter had a “closet addiction” to the NBA, even playing daily fantasy basketball and keeping a close watch on the league’s players. He also had a clause in his ESPN contract allowing him to contribute to NBA coverage, which led to his sideline reporting debut in 2017 during a Knicks vs. Thunder game.
Additionally, Schefter’s career path could echo that of his mentor, the late Chris Mortensen, who covered both MLB and NFL before becoming ESPN’s top football insider. Other ESPN personalities, like Mike Greenberg, have successfully navigated covering multiple sports—Greenberg now hosts both Sunday NFL Countdown and NBA Countdown. Stephen A. Smith has also expressed interest in contributing to ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage.
ESPN’s president of content, Burke Magnus, has been pushing to maximize the presence and influence of the network’s biggest stars, which could make this dual-role possibility for Schefter a reality.
Source: https://frontofficesports.com/adam-schefter-could-be-candidate-to-succeed-woj-at-espn/
In this intriguing possibility, Schefter, known for his dominance as the top NFL news-breaker, would cover both the NFL and NBA, becoming what one source described as the “Ultimate Insider.” Schefter has already dabbled in NBA reporting, having appeared as a sideline reporter during ESPN’s NBA broadcasts in the past.
While this development is far from certain, there appears to be interest on both sides, according to multiple sources. However, another high-ranking source has denied the rumor, stating that Schefter is not currently a candidate for the role. Schefter, who reportedly enjoys his current NFL responsibilities, may not be eager to take on such a demanding dual role, which would likely require a significant salary increase. His current contract, signed in 2022, already pays him $9 million annually, according to the New York Post.
At 57 years old, Schefter is one of the most influential and well-connected insiders in U.S. sports. He has a massive following on social media, with 11.2 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), surpassing Wojnarowski’s 6.5 million, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport with 4.6 million, and Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer with 1.2 million.
Schefter’s potential involvement in NBA coverage isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. He’s known to be passionate about breaking news and thrives on tackling the biggest stories. Covering both the NFL and NBA—two of ESPN’s most important sports leagues—would present a formidable challenge, but one that could further cement his reputation.
“Adam is the best insider in the business—the best there’s ever been,” said a source. “If you’re going to replace Woj, why not go with the best?”
In fact, Schefter’s love for basketball is no secret. Back in 2016, Sports Illustrated’s Peter King reported that Schefter had a “closet addiction” to the NBA, even playing daily fantasy basketball and keeping a close watch on the league’s players. He also had a clause in his ESPN contract allowing him to contribute to NBA coverage, which led to his sideline reporting debut in 2017 during a Knicks vs. Thunder game.
Additionally, Schefter’s career path could echo that of his mentor, the late Chris Mortensen, who covered both MLB and NFL before becoming ESPN’s top football insider. Other ESPN personalities, like Mike Greenberg, have successfully navigated covering multiple sports—Greenberg now hosts both Sunday NFL Countdown and NBA Countdown. Stephen A. Smith has also expressed interest in contributing to ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage.
ESPN’s president of content, Burke Magnus, has been pushing to maximize the presence and influence of the network’s biggest stars, which could make this dual-role possibility for Schefter a reality.
Source: https://frontofficesports.com/adam-schefter-could-be-candidate-to-succeed-woj-at-espn/
