MLB insider Jeff Passan has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Adrian Wojnarowski as ESPN's top NBA newsbreaker, according to The Athletic . Passan, who currently spearheads ESPN's baseball coverage and reportedly earns around $1 million per year, is being considered for a significant role change that could come with a substantial pay raise.
Wojnarowski's unexpected retirement earlier this month left a notable vacancy at ESPN. Known for his breaking news scoops—famously dubbed "Woj bombs"—he was earning approximately $7 million annually and had $20 million remaining on his contract . Wojnarowski stepped away from journalism to become the general manager of the men's basketball team at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University.
Passan joined ESPN in 2019 after a successful tenure at Yahoo Sports, following a similar path to Wojnarowski. His potential shift from MLB to NBA coverage is influenced by several factors.
One significant aspect is the uncertainty surrounding ESPN's future baseball broadcasting rights. ESPN holds an opt-out clause in its $540 million per season MLB contract, which could be exercised by the end of the 2025 season. This clause raises questions about the network's long-term commitment to baseball.
In contrast, ESPN recently secured an 11-year extension to continue broadcasting the NBA Finals, solidifying its investment in basketball. Transitioning Passan to NBA coverage aligns with the network's strategic focus on the sport. If Passan accepts the new role, it could also lead to a substantial increase in his salary, potentially nearing the figures Wojnarowski commanded.
While Passan is aware of ESPN's interest, it remains unclear whether he will agree to the switch. Transitioning from baseball to basketball reporting would present new challenges, but Passan's reputation as a top-tier journalist could facilitate a successful move. ESPN's internal NBA reporters—including Ramona Shelburne, Brian Windhorst, and Tim Bontemps—remain key assets, although the network recently laid off senior writer Zach Lowe .
Another prominent candidate for Wojnarowski's former position is The Athletic's Shams Charania . At 30 years old, Charania is known for his rapid-fire news reporting and is considered a direct competitor to Wojnarowski. His contract with The Athletic is up, and while the outlet hopes to retain him, ESPN and other networks are reportedly interested. Charania's existing relationship with ESPN through appearances on "The Pat McAfee Show" could influence negotiations.
Charania is also attracting interest from NBC, a new NBA rights holder, and FanDuel TV. His versatility and established presence in NBA media make him a strong contender. If Passan transitions to NBA coverage, ESPN may adjust its baseball reporting lineup.
The network already features insiders like Buster Olney and Jesse Rogers, who could take on more prominent roles in MLB coverage. Additionally, there is speculation that Wojnarowski and ESPN analyst Bobby Marks could serve as mentors to Passan, helping him acclimate to the nuances of NBA reporting.
The decision to potentially move Passan reflects ESPN's intent to reimagine the role of its lead NBA insider. Unlike Wojnarowski, who primarily focused on breaking news in recent years, Passan is known for combining news reporting with in-depth feature writing. This approach could offer a fresh perspective to ESPN's basketball coverage.
As the NBA season approaches, ESPN faces a pivotal choice that will shape its reporting and analysis for years to come. Whether the network promotes from within by transitioning Passan or secures a deal with Charania, the replacement for Wojnarowski will significantly impact ESPN's standing in the competitive landscape of NBA journalism.
The sports media industry and fans alike are watching closely to see who will fill the sizable shoes left by Wojnarowski. With high stakes and substantial financial considerations on the line, ESPN's decision will not only affect its own coverage but could also influence the broader dynamics of sports reporting across multiple platforms.
Related: Brian Windhorst Is Ready To Reach The Next Level After Adrian Wojnarowski's Retirement
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