When Adrian Wojnarowski hung up his journalistic boots to join his alma mater, it signaled a potential shift at ESPN – one that would lead to a collaborative approach between their insiders and analysts. And the person most likely to replace Wojnarowski and join the likes of Zach Lowe, Ramona Shelburne, and Brian Windhorst was Shams Charania. Well, that’s still a possibility, but the collaboration between Woj’s protégé and Lowe isn’t. At least, not at ESPN.
With Zach Lowe following Wojnarowski out the exit door, people are wondering, ‘What’s going on at ESPN?’ While there are several reasons being floated for Lowe’s termination, let us look at some of the prominent ones. According to The Athletic, Lowe’s earnings played a big role in the company’s decision to let him go. “Lowe’s salary, which was over seven figures annually, was the biggest factor in ESPN’s decision, according to sources briefed on the terms of his contract,” read the article.
Yeah, salary was a big part of it, but it wasn’t the only reason. ESPN’s already having a tough time filling Woj’s spot in the lead broadcast team of Mike Breen and Doris Burke, so a lot of people are scratching their heads over this move. NBA insider Trevor Lane discussed other reasons ESPN might’ve fired Zach Lowe on the September 26 episode of The Basketball Bulletin. He mentioned that, after losing Woj, there was this vibe that ESPN was trying to reel in Shams Charania. But then it raises the question: why let go of Zach Lowe?
Lane speculated that it was “to free up perhaps more money to go chase after Shams Charania and throw the bag at him now that Shams is very clearly the guy in NBA news breaking.” However, this leads to another question: even if this move was to bring in Charania, who will fill Lowe’s shoes? He’s been with ESPN for 12 years, and fans have loved his work and his podcast, The Lowe Post. His latest episode with JJ Redick was a hit, packed with insights about the Lakers and more.
“His passion for the game comes through in everything he does; you can tell he is a huge basketball fan,” Lane pointed out. Finding someone with that kind of passion and knowledge about the game is going to be a tough task for ESPN. “The bottom line is, this is the financial decision that they are making, that doesn’t mean the kind of content that Zach Lowe provides is not needed. So, I am really curious to see how ESPN approach that,” Lane added.
This comment by a fan summed up just what Lowe brought to the table at ESPN: “[Kevin] Pelton has the numbers, [Jonathan] Givony has the draft, and Woj broke the news. Lowe [was] the only one there who could make sense of what was going on and convey it to the reader.” Having joined the company back in 2012, he formed a loyal following in those 12 years. So, as ESPN tries to fill these shoes – and if Shams Charania really is their primary target – they’ll have to act fast.
via Getty
DENVER, CO – JUNE 12: Zach Lowe, Malika Andrews and Richard Jefferson chats during the NBA Today show prior to Game Five of the 2023 NBA Finals on June 12, 2023 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images)
After all, a source told Front Office Sports, “He’s talking to everyone at this point.” His contracts with The Athletic and FanDuel are getting over this year, and NBC and Amazon Prime have reportedly shown interest in Charania, too. Alongside ESPN, these two broadcasting giants are set to split the NBA’s TV rights from the 2025-26 season. Needless to say, either of the three would want “the guy in NBA news breaking” on their side.
Who knows? Maybe the insider could continue with The Athletic to publish his written work and sign a deal with either of these three companies for an on-screen role. All said and done, though, it’s a major bummer to see Zach Lowe bounce from ESPN, especially after Woj’s final Woj bomb. Lowe’s insights and analysis have been a huge part of the network’s NBA coverage, which was the basis for Lane’s dig at Stephen A. Smith.
“You need the quality analysis”: Trevor Lane takes a jab at Stephen A. Smith
At the very end of his podcast, as Trevor Lane was shedding light on the challenges ESPN faces in filling Zach Lowe’s void, he said, “As much as you get sound bites out of Stephen A. Smith and the like that are going to go on these hot-take shows and yell and rant and rave, and as much as that might generate attention, I think you need the quality analysis that you get out of guys like Zach Lowe.” This jab at Stephen A. highlights a key point in the discussion.
We all know how most episodes with Stephen A. Smith go—his fiery takes definitely grab viewers’ attention. But fans also value Zach Lowe’s sharp analysis and insightful commentary. As a senior writer at ESPN, Lowe has built a solid rep in the sports world. While both bring intelligence to the table, leaning on just one type of perspective won’t cut it for the audience or the network.
There’s a real need for the league-wide analysis that Lowe provides, plus his ability to break down the game in a way that’s easy and enjoyable to consume is unmatched. Sure, shows like First Take bring in the buzz, but what about the quality insights? Has ESPN started to focus more on the entertainment side and forgotten about solid analysis? What are your thoughts on this?
