Report: Adam Schefter Could Replace Woj, Cover NFL, NBA as ESPN’s ‘Ultimate Insider’

Andrew PetersSeptember 30, 2024

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Following ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski’s departure from the company to take over as the general manager of St. Bonaventure’s men’s basketball program, Adam Schefter could be in line to take over for the legendary news breaker.

Per Front Office Sports’ Michael McCarthy, Schefter is a candidate to replace Wojnarowski as ESPN’s senior NBA insider. Along with covering the NBA, Schefter would maintain his NFL duties in a role referred to as the “Ultimate Insider.”

According to McCarthy, a different role for Schefter is “a long way” from happening, but both he and ESPN are interested. It would be a much more straining position from his already time-consuming role, but it would also likely include a pay raise from his current $9 million-a-year deal.

Schefter has previously shown interest in the NBA, occasionally filling in as a sideline reporter for NBA telecasts. McCarthy also noted that Schefter’s contract he signed in 2022 has a clause that allows him to work as an NBA sideline reporter.

But Schefter isn’t the only candidate who could replace Woj. The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported last week that ESPN’s MLB insider Jeff Passan is an early candidate, though he would likely fully transition to NBA coverage and leave baseball behind.

Marchand also noted that The Athletic’s Shams Charania, likely the biggest name in NBA news breaking besides Wojnarowski, is another top candidate. Charania left Stadium early this year, and his current contracts with The Athletic and FanDuel TV are set to expire soon.

Other ESPN NBA insiders like Ramona Shelburne, Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps could be options to move into the lead role as well.