NBA insider and media personality Chris Haynes is joining the BIG3 broadcasting team for its eighth season as a sideline reporter. Under the new role, Haynes will be joining DeMita with the sideline reporting responsibilities for live coverage of the league airing on CBS and VICE Sports. Haynes will be working his first assignment on June 14 at the season opener from Allstate Arena in Chicago, Ill. The news comes as Haynes continues to produce Haynes Briefs independent venture and breaking news around the Association on various social media platforms.
“We’re more than happy to welcome Chris to the BIG3 Family,” Ice Cube, chief executive officer of BIG3, said in a statement. “He is the best in the business; not only is he loved by fans and players alike, but he also has a deep understanding of the US basketball landscape and the perfect balance of hot takes and insightful commentary.
“We see this as the next step in our ongoing relationship – one that even saw him make an appearance on the court in our 2022 Celebrity Game. His path into journalism is even more impressive than it is unorthodox, and we are honored to be a part of his journey. We know that together with Rachel DeMita, he will provide BIG3 fans with the sharp and entertaining coverage he’s known for all summer long.”
Before joining the BIG3, Haynes worked for TNT Sports as a sideline reporter and also contributed content to Bleacher Report platforms, both of which are owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. Haynes has also covered the NBA for Yahoo Sports where was an insider and followed the Golden State Warriors as a beat reporter for ESPN. Amid his formative years in the business after graduating from Fresno State University, he covered the Portland Trail Blazers for free at Slam Magazine and also worked as a high school security guard.
“I want to thank Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz for this amazing opportunity and I’m beyond thrilled to be joining the BIG3 family,” Haynes said in a statement. “I’ve covered this league from its inception and it continues to push the boundaries of innovation in basketball, giving fans an up-close and personal look at legends of the game and elite competition. Ice Cube and the entire BIG3 team have built something truly special, and I’m honored to bring my storytelling and coverage to this rapidly-growing league. I can’t wait to hit the court, connect with the players, and share the energy and emotion of every moment with the fans.”
Haynes and DeMita will be part of a broadcast team that includes Brian Scalabrine, Jim Jackson and Avery Johnson broadcasting coverage throughout the season. The full lineup of on-air talent will be announced in the coming weeks and could include “some familiar faces from previous BIG3 teams.” The league has also made several signings to its roster of athletes, including former NBA players Dwight Howard, Kemba Walker, Montrezl Harrell and Wesley Johnson.
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