Basketball

How ESPN should fill Maria Taylor’s old jobs, plus thoughts on the Olympics and Michael Phelps in the booth


It finally became public on Friday night when Maria Taylor appeared on NBC’s prime-time coverage of the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony, fronting a short feature on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. That was followed by a press release that landed in inboxes at 8:07 p.m. ET announcing her arrival to NBC Sports after seven years at ESPN.

“Highlighted by host roles for the Olympics and the NFL — including as a host and contributor for Football Night in America and Super Bowls — Taylor will work across premier NBC Sports properties,” the release said of her new duties. “In Tokyo, her very first assignment as part of the NBC Sports team, she will join Mike Tirico as host for Prime Plus, and will also serve as a correspondent.”

Taylor’s immediate future is now clear and she will undoubtedly be an asset to NBC Sports given she brings the rare skill set of being strong as either a host or on the sidelines — and for multiple sports. Last week saw some of Taylor’s former ESPN colleagues praising her for her work hosting the NBA Finals and as a person.

So what happens next for ESPN? Well, Taylor’s departure leaves interesting openings and opportunities. Before we get to that, let’s again note the epic management failure by ESPN senior management to let one of your best on-air talents — someone under 40 who worked for you since 2014 — out the door.





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