ESPN wasted no time in finding a successor for Adrian Wojnarowski, the network’s long-standing NBA insider, by hiring his longtime rival, Shams Charania. The move not only fills a major gap left by Wojnarowski’s departure but reportedly saves ESPN millions of dollars annually.
Adrian Wojnarowski, known for his iconic “Woj Bombs,” shocked the sports world in September when he announced that he was stepping away from his role as ESPN’s top NBA reporter. After more than 30 years in sports journalism, Woj decided to transition into an advisory role with the men’s basketball team at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure.
His decision to retire from the fast-paced world of breaking NBA news left a major void at ESPN, which relied heavily on Woj for his ability to break news on trades, signings, and other significant NBA developments.
Wojnarowski first gained prominence during his tenure at Yahoo Sports, where he quickly established himself as the NBA’s premier insider. His Twitter feed became the go-to source for NBA fans and industry insiders alike, as he consistently scooped other reporters on breaking news. In 2017, ESPN recognized his unparalleled talent and poached him from Yahoo Sports, cementing his place as the network’s top NBA reporter for the next several years.
When Wojnarowski announced his retirement, ESPN immediately began considering various options to replace him. The network reportedly explored the possibility of having Jeff Passan, ESPN’s MLB insider, transition to NBA coverage, and even considered making Adam Schefter, their NFL insider, a “Super Insider” responsible for covering both the NFL and NBA. However, after weighing their options, ESPN made what many saw as the obvious choice: hiring Shams Charania.
Charania, now one of the most well-known NBA insiders, was once Wojnarowski’s protégé. Woj brought Shams under his wing at Yahoo Sports in the mid-2010s, helping to shape his career as an NBA newsbreaker. However, as Charania’s star began to rise, the two journalists became fierce rivals, competing to be the first to break major NBA news. Despite the professional rivalry, there seems to be no lingering tension between the two, as Wojnarowski publicly expressed his support for Charania after ESPN announced the hiring.
While Shams is stepping into the role Woj held at ESPN, there’s a significant financial difference between the two deals. According to Puck’s John Ourand, ESPN is saving millions by hiring Charania. Insiders revealed that Charania is earning “less than half” of the $7 million per year that Woj was making during his time at ESPN. This salary difference comes as a surprise, given that Charania, at just 30 years old, is now the undisputed leader in NBA news coverage with few competitors remaining in the game.
Shams’ lower salary may seem surprising considering his dominance in the industry, but it presents him with the opportunity to prove his worth at ESPN. As he steps into Woj’s shoes, Shams will have the chance to negotiate for higher pay in the future, particularly if he continues to deliver the timely, accurate reporting that has made him a household name in NBA circles.
For ESPN, the decision to hire Charania represents a win-win. They secure one of the brightest talents in the sports media world while simultaneously cutting costs, a significant factor in today’s competitive sports media landscape.
Shams now has the chance to solidify his legacy as the top NBA insider, and with Woj out of the picture, the stage is set for him to dominate the world of NBA news for years to come.
This hire marks a new chapter for both ESPN and Charania, and fans can expect to see Shams continue to build on the foundation Woj left behind while bringing his own unique style to the role.
As ESPN navigates a changing sports media landscape, the Charania era has officially begun, and it’s one that could redefine the network’s NBA coverage for the foreseeable future.
