In true passing of the torch style, it has been confirmed that ESPN have hired longtime NBA insider Shams Charania to replace the beloved Adrian Wojnarowski.
Woj rocked the basketball world when he announced his retirement from ESPN after 34 NBA seasons.
Now, his former rival Shams has joined the network, as a clear replacement for his former mentor, since the pair previously worked as colleagues at Yahoo Sports.
Woj shared some encouraging advice to Shams.
“ Shams texted me after I announced my retirement, Wojnarowski said on The Jim Rome Show. “And you know what? I told him what I would say today that I hope he has as fulfilling and as rewarding of a career as I’ve had. And I certainly wish that for him. And he’s right about the incredible group of colleagues that he’s going to find at ESPN, the best of the best, incredible reporters on-air talent.
“And so, you know, for me, that was always the best part of working at ESPN, were the colleagues who elevate you, you’re around the best of the best. And that was true in the NBA… So, wish him the best. And, he’s got a great team around him, at ESPN.”
Charania himself dropped the news on his X page, writing, “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.”
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
To join ESPN, Charania is leaving The Athletic and FanDuel TV to take up the opportunity, but apparently his contract with the outlets were ending anyway, according to The New York Post.
Details of Shams’ contract are yet to be revealed, but Woj walked away from a reported $20 million with ESPN when he retired.