ESPN has announced that Malika Andrews will anchor the network’s new daily basketball show NBA Today, which will start airing Oct. 18.
The move follows the cancellation of ESPN’s Rachel Nichols-led program The Jump, which has served as the network’s weekday NBA studio show since 2016. The final episode is on Oct. 8.
According to ESPN, Andrews will be joined by a panel that features NBA analysts Kendrick Perkins, Chiney Ogwumike, Vince Carter, and senior writer Zach Lowe. Reporters Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne are among the NBA insiders expected to contribute to the show.
“NBA Today will provide in-depth, comprehensive daily coverage of all aspects of the NBA,” the network said in a press release. “Malika, who is a phenomenally talented commentator, will run point on a show that will feature a vibrant cast of expert analysts who all offer distinct perspectives on the game. Through the contributions of our wide array of NBA reporters, the show will be both newsy and timely with an eye towards the biggest games around the league that day.”
In a statement, Andrews shared her excitement about being named host of NBA Today.
“It’s an incredible time to cover the NBA, a league that is full of characters and stories that have resonance far beyond the sports world,” Andrews said. “Our goal every day is to deliver information and analysis to our viewers that can’t be gleaned anywhere else. I’m so excited to showcase the league and the talented reporters, analysts and insiders on our team.”
The news comes just over four months after the New York Times shared leaked audio of Nichols saying she was passed over by ESPN’s Maria Taylor for a 2020 NBA Finals gig because the network was “feeling pressure” about its “crappy longtime record on diversity.”
In the aftermath of the report, Nichols was removed from her sideline reporting job for the 2021 NBA Finals. Taylor continued hosting the ESPN’s studio show during the series, while Andrews took Nichols’ place on the sideline.