Adrian Wojnarowski has announced he is retiring as a reporter covering the NBA for ESPN and will join St. Bonaventure as general manager of the men’s basketball program.
Wojnarowski left Yahoo to join ESPN in 2017 and was one of the two main newsbreakers in NBA media. Wojnarowski signed a contract extension with ESPN in 2022 and is reportedly walking away from approximately $20 million in guaranteed money on top of any future earnings had he stayed in the role.
“I grew up the son of a factory worker two miles from ESPN’s campus and only ever dreamed of making a living as a sportswriter,” wrote Wojnarowski in his statement. “Thirty-seven years ago, the Hartford Courant gave me my first byline and I never stopped chasing the thrill of it all.
“This craft transformed my life, but l’ve decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. I understand the commitment required in my role and it’s an investment that I’m no longer driven to make. Time isn’t in endless supply and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful.
“I leave with overwhelming gratitude for countless mentors and colleagues, subjects and stories, readers and viewers. No one has benefitted more than me from the belief, trust and generosity of others.
“The past seven years at ESPN have been a particular privilege. I’m appreciative of the company’s leadership – especially Jimmy Pitaro and Cristina Daglas – for the understanding and acceptance of my decision to make a life change. After all these years reporting on everyone’s teams, I’m headed back to my own.”
Wojnarowski worked under Pitaro at Yahoo before reuniting at ESPN.
“I’ve known and admired Woj since we first worked together at Yahoo! in 2007,” said Pitaro in a statement. “His work ethic is second to none. He’s extraordinarily talented and fearless. He has led the industry at ESPN, and his dedication to the craft and to fans is legendary. While we will miss his daily output, we completely understand his decision to make a lifestyle change and slow down a bit. We know he will continue to thrive in this next chapter, and he has our collective gratitude and support.”
Sources tell the Athletic that Wojnarowski spoke with Pitaro and Burke Magnus about his decision and that the ESPN executives were surprised by the move. Wojnarowski conveyed that “he was completely burned out from the incessant news breaking that required him to be on his phone nearly 24/7.”
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