ESPN has reportedly found a replacement for Adrian Wojnarowski following his shocking departure last month. According to Front Office Sports, The Worldwide Leader in Sports has snatched up the popular Shams Charania, who is set to become their senior NBA insider in the wake of Woj’s exit.
Wojnarowski had been the chief source of breaking basketball news over the years and spent several of them with ESPN before announcing his decision to retire from sports media and take over as the general manager of the St. Bonaventure University’s men’s basketball program.
Charania, who has been with The Athletic for several years, emerged as a favorite to replace the veteran reporter after he revealed his plans in September. And, per an FOS source, the journalist is at the “5-yard line” with regards to a deal.
“The 30-year-old Charania emerged as the clear favorite to succeed Wojnarowski, who retired from journalism to join his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University, as the GM of its men’s basketball program,” the publication reported on Monday.
“Early on Monday, a source said the Charania-ESPN talks were at the “5-yard line.” Charania’s prospects have been elevated by the ringing endorsement of ESPN star Pat McAfee, said another source.”
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Pat McAfee Has Been Calling For ESPN To Hire Shams Charania
McAfee has advocated for Charania to replace Woj in the past as he has a great relationship with the younger insider, who frequents his show on ESPN.
“Shams Charania’s the answer,” the former kicker said recently. “I know there’s conversations happening. … But if you take our bias out of this conversation, there’s only one answer. It’s Shams Charania.”
Charania is understood to have interest from the likes of NBC Sports and Amazon Prime. His deals with The Athletic and Fanduel TV are nearing expiration, so he’s likely to have thought the timing of Wojnarowski’s announcement was perfect.
ESPN reportedly considered asking NFL insider Adam Schefter to cover both the NFL and NBA, as well as moving MLB insider Jeff Passan to basketball. But it appears they have snagged the next best name to fill the Woj-sized hole in their basketball reporting lineup.
Also Read: VIDEO: NBA Insider Shams Charania Named His GOAT, And It’s Not LeBron James Or Michael Jordan
