Report: Adam Schefter named as candidate to replace Adrian Wojnarowski, become ESPN's 'ultimate insider'

Adam Schefter is a candidate to replace Adrian Wojnarowski as ESPN‘s lead NBA insider, according to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports.

Schefter, the top NFL news breaker in the business, would cover both leagues and serve as the “ultimate insider.” While McCarthy noted “we’re a long way from this happening,” there’s mutual interest from both sides. Another source, however, shot down the rumor, telling McCarthy that Schefter is not a candidate to replace Wojnarowski. Schefter signed a new contract with ESPN in 2022 which pays him $9 million annually.

Wojnarowski, ESPN‘s lead NBA insider since 2017, retired from media earlier this month to become the general manager of the men’s basketball program at St. Bonaventure, his alma mater, leaving a massive hole in the worldwide leader’s basketball coverage. ESPN is actively looking to fill the role as the 2024-25 season gets underway next month.

While ESPN has other NBA reporters on its roster such as Brian Windhorst, Ramona Shelburne, Marc J. Spears, Tim Bontemps and Bobby Marks, other internal names have been kicked around as possible candidates to replace Wojnarowski.

ESPN looking at Adam Schefter to replace Adrian Wojnarowski?

Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported Saturday that Jeff Passan had emerged as a candidate to switch sports and become ESPN‘s lead NBA insider. Passan currently breaks MLB news for ESPN, as he has done since joining the network in 2019.

“While Passan is aware of the interest, according to those briefed on the internal conversations, it is not known if he would agree to the switch if offered,” Marchand wrote.

The leading outside candidate is considered to be Shams Charania, whose contract with The Athletic is up soon. Charania has competed with Wojnarowski for NBA scoops over the years, making him a plug and play type hire. The Athletic is hoping to retain Charania, per Marchand.

“We’re not at all surprised by the interest in Shams, whose indispensable coverage of the NBA and its key players continues to set the pace,” Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, said in a statement. “We’re proud to have him as our colleague. And are committed to ensuring he stays with The Athletic for years to come.”