NBA fans, players, and media members were taken by surprise last week when legendary ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski suddenly retired from ESPN.
With Woj’s retirement, a massive power vacuum opened in the NBA media landscape. This vacuum can only be filled by one man, Woj’s famous protege: Shams Charania.
Over the past few days, gossip has abounded over where Charania will end up after his current deal expires. He is currently contracted with The Athletic and FanDuel TV and getting paid between $3-4 million annually. His deal ends this month, and a bidding war is on for the talented journalist.
ESPN
ESPN was the first to enter, seeking a replacement for Wojnarowski.
Initially, Charania seemed like the obvious choice to fill this hole, but recent reporting suggests otherwise. In-house candidates like Brian Windhorst or Ramona Shelburne could take over Woj’s former role.
Or instead of just having one person do Woj’s old job, ESPN could delegate to numerous journalists. Another thing to consider is Charania’s state of mind on moving to Bristol. With the vacuum left after Woj’s departure, Charania may want to out-compete whoever ESPN elevates, per Sam Amico of Hoops Wire.
It is important to remember that ESPN gets what ESPN wants. If they want Charania, they will go to every length to get him.
NBC and Amazon
Two other companies have recently entered the bidding war as well.
NBC recently received the rights to the NBA again and could be looking to make a splash. Amazon also recently received NBA rights and is the biggest company of all competitors. They undoubtedly have the most money to give Shams. Amazon’s audience also tends to skew younger than ESPN or NBC’s audiences. As someone who is just turning 30, this is a demographic where Charania could dominate. Shams is “talking to everyone” at this point and it is unclear where he is leaning.
But it seems like either NBC or Amazon is a very real possibility.
The Athletic
The final bidder to consider is the company that Charania is currently under contract with.
A foreboding sign for The Athletic is that Shams recently left Stadium, an outlet where he had reported for the past six years. According to New York Post journalist Ryan Glasspiegel, it is “up in the air” where the negotiations with his current outlet will land.
One thing is for sure: Shams Charania will be getting a big contract very soon. And he will be underpaid regardless of how big that check is.
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