Adrian Wojnarowski, one of NBA journalism’s most respected figures, announced his retirement from ESPN after a transformative seven-year tenure. Known for his famous ‘Woj Bombs,’ the 55-year-old has been a staple in breaking NBA news since 1995. Despite close competition with Shams Charania in recent years, Woj made sure he controlled the narrative around his own retirement.

Wojnarowski’s sudden announcement reportedly shocked his ESPN colleagues and seniors, who did not expect the $7 million-a-year journalist to leave without prior notice. Per what a source told Front Office Sports, “Woj’s worst nightmare would have been Shams breaking the news of his retirement”, emphasizing his desire to maintain control over his exit.”

Charania, once Wojnarowski’s protégé at Yahoo Sports, has since grown into a formidable competitor, particularly after moving to The Athletic in 2017. The rivalry between them has intensified, especially in recent years as both battled for breaking news supremacy in the NBA world. But yet again, after a decade of working together, Woj left for ESPN and their mentor-mentee dynamic shifted into a fierce rivalry.

Though Wojnarowski and Charania rarely acknowledge their rivalry publicly, their race to break NBA news — from trades to retirements — has been closely followed by fans, especially on X.

With Wojnarowski’s retirement and his new role at Bonnies Basketball, The Athletic could gain more prominence in NBA news, especially if Charania remains.

Will Shams Charania replace Adrian Wojnarowski?

Knowing the value that Adrian Wojnarowski held, ESPN will have to move quickly if they are to find his replacement. As a result, discussions have already begun about who could replace the 55-year-old. While Chris Haynes is currently being touted as a significant candidate, there would be no better way to get rid of Shams Charania as competition than to have the network acquire him!

Charania, a ‘pending free agent’, is expected to be approached by ESPN soon. With prior experience on ESPN’s platforms, his familiarity with the network could work in his favor despite the rivalry with Woj.

ESPN may also consider promoting from within, with notable insiders like Brian Windhorst, Marc J. Spears, and Zach Lowe. Regardless of who takes over, NBA fans will undoubtedly miss the anticipation of seeing who — Woj or Charania — would break the next big story.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.