NBC, Amazon Showed Interest In Shams Charania Before His Move To ESPN

Not surprisingly, ESPN wasn’t the only network that had an interest in NBA insider Shams Charania, previously of The Athletic. NBC Sports and Amazon Prime also were hot on his trail, per Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports.

But it was ESPN that landed Charania — who announced he’s taking the Senior NBA Insider post vacated by Adrian Wojnarowski, now the GM of the St. Bonaventure men’s basketball program.

NBC and Amazon are part of the new NBA media rights package that goes into effect a year from now. Both outlets are said to be seeking big-name talent (both current media members and former players) to fill out their coverage roster.

As for Charania and ESPN, McCarthy reported that the sides were on the “5-yard line” in talks. Charania made the move official a few hours later.

“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.

He had been considered the frontrunner for the vacancy 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.

Lowe and Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report are believed to be among the candidates for roles at NBC and Amazon.

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