In 2024, the NBA signed a mammoth 11-year media deal worth $76 billion. The league just redefined the game—securing record-breaking deals in both length and value. Starting in 2025-26, ESPN and ABC stay in the game, while NBC returns and Amazon Prime joins the action. But the real shake-up? ESPN stalwarts Malika Andrews and Brian Windhorst now face an uncertain future amid the chaos of free agency. What’s going on?

Two of ESPN’s biggest NBA names, Malika Andrews and Brian Windhorst, are nearing free agency, per Front Office Sports. Andrews’ contract expires this fall, while Windhorst’s wraps up in the summer. With Amazon Prime Video and NBC Sports entering the NBA scene next season, it’s a prime moment for these media stars to weigh their options—though ESPN is eager to keep them on board.

But, for Andrews, bigger trouble looms at large as TNT and her current organization join hands in the mix throwing her NBA Countdown in the shadows with Shaquille O’Neal & Co.’s Inside The NBA most likely to take front-row seats.

Malika Andrews’ future is in question while her show risks being No.2 for ESPN

At 30, Malika Andrews has swiftly risen to host NBA Today and NBA Countdown, with the league backing her as ESPN’s leading face, sources say. But her sights may go beyond basketball. Insiders suggest she could follow the Robin Roberts path—stepping from courtside to the bright lights of ABC’s Good Morning America or another Disney daytime giant.

Meanwhile, Amazon Prime Video and NBC are recruiting from a pool of talents, reports Front Office Sports. They want the best hosts to pull up not just the organizations but the NBA from the viewership woes. Big names like Taylor Rooks, NBA’s own Vince Carter, and others are on the line. On the other hand, ESPN recently added Quentin Richardson and Udonis Haslem to their roster.

Moreover, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro pulled off the trade of the year—bringing Charles Barkley’s Inside the NBA from TNT Sports next season. In return? A package of Big 12 football and basketball games heads the other way. What does this mean for Malika Andrews and Windy (that is, if they stay back with the media moguls.)?

In a rare deal, TNT will still produce Inside the NBA, keeping Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson on its payroll. Yet, the iconic show will now lead ESPN’s NBA coverage. Meanwhile, Malika Andrews’ NBA Countdown will continue but take a backseat, according to reports. With Inside the NBA joining ESPN, rumors suggest Andrews could return to the sidelines. She may cover select high-profile events while the legendary TNT crew handles the studio.

Now, let’s come back to Amazon Prime Video and NBC’s talent hunt as they join hands with the league from the 2025-26 season onwards. They are setting their minds on recruiting major names to bolster their popularity in sports media. And this in return will help the NBA in uplifting their viewership and ratings (hopefully).

Amazon Prime Video and NBC pose a threat to ESPN as they pick hosting stars from the talent pool

At 47, Brian Windhorst has become the backbone of ESPN’s NBA coverage. Known for tracking LeBron James for decades, he famously went viral with a monologue on First Take in 2022. Lately, he’s been a regular on studio shows like Get Up and First Take, while his Hoop Collective podcast now leads ESPN’s NBA lineup with Zach Lowe out. His deep analysis perfectly complements Shams Charania’s fast-breaking news.

Meanwhile, Amazon Prime Video and NBC Sports are gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season, and the talent hunt is on. Prime has already tapped rising star Taylor Rooks to lead its studio coverage from Los Angeles. Meanwhile, NBC remains quiet on its lineup, but with ex-ESPN anchor Maria Taylor leading their NFL studio, she’s a strong candidate to step into NBA coverage.

Former ESPN analyst Vince Carter could also be in the mix, sources say. The 22-year NBA veteran spent three years at ESPN before the 2023 layoffs. The cuts also claimed Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose. With the hiring spree in full swing, more NBA TV talents could be next. Big names like LeBron James, Chris Paul, or Draymond Green may draw interest if they retire after this season.

So, with ESPN’s superstars Malika Andrews and Brian Windhorst standing on the brink of turning free agents, the NBA’s latest media partners are aiming for the stars. It’s not surprising to see that Amazon Prime Video and NBC are picking the best ones off the market. Thus putting some pressure on ESPN to keep up with their reputation and name in the game. Meanwhile, Andrews’ show and Shaq’s Inside The NBA could face a major clash of power as drama deepens.