We all heard rumors that it might be happening, and now it’s true. Shams Charania dropped the bomb on Monday that he’s left The Athletic to replace Adrian Wojnarowski as the Senior NBA Insider at ESPN.
“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,” Charania wrote.
Wojnarowski retired from the industry to become GM of the St. Bonaventure men’s basketball program. Charania, Woj’s former protege turned rival, was viewed as the frontrunner all along.
That especially became the case when it was revealed Charania’s contract with The Athletic was expiring this summer. He’s also served as an insider on FanDuel TV. Now, that will come to an end, too.
ESPN will offer Charania the best of all worlds — the largest audience, the opportunity to write more (as he reportedly has said he’s been wanting to do), and regular television appearances.
The network laid off insider Zach Lowe late last month, and some within the industry suspect it was to help clear room for a large offer for Charania. Whether that’s the case or not, ESPN got their man.
Meanwhile, there’s no word on what The Athletic intends to do with Charania’s old job. Early speculation is the publication will attempt to replace him by committee.
Charania is expected to start his new role immediately. Hoops Wire reached out to both ESPN and The Athletic for comment and is waiting to hear back.
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