Malika Andrews continues to grow at ESPN, as she has reportedly been named the new host of NBA Countdown, succeeding Mike Greenberg. Andrews filled in for Mike Greenberg on various editions of the program throughout the 2022-23 regular season, largely due to Greenberg’s busy schedule. Now, she will have a chance to host the program and ESPN’s coverage of the NBA Finals. Andrews will continue hosting NBA Today, placing her squarely towards the center of the network’s vast NBA portfolio. News of Andrews’ new job was first reported by Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, which includes her hosting the NBA Finals and prime-time editions of the show.
The move is the latest change to the NBA commentary teams on ESPN, which is highlighted by the decision to move on from lead color commentators Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy. Play-by-play announcer Mike Breen will reportedly be working with Doris Burke and Doc Rivers on the revamped commentary team during the season.
ESPN’s media rights for the National Basketball Association expire upon the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. The news coincides with the “Worldwide Leader” partnering with Penn Entertainment to launch a sportsbook and plans of a direct-to-consumer launch under the project name “Flagship.”
NBA Countdown will have a different look next season, as the network laid off Jalen Rose as part of several on-air talent losing their jobs. These talent layoffs were in addition to The Walt Disney Company-mandated layoff of 7,000 employees to slash $5.5 billion in costs. ESPN has steadily lost cable subscribers over the years consistent with trends in cord cutting, and is in the midst of adapting its business model to the mercurial world of media.
