Zach Lowe Laid Off by ESPN: Major Changes to NBA Coverage After Wojnarowski's Retirement

NBA

Zach Lowe Laid Off by ESPN Amid Major Shakeup in NBA Coverage

Zach Lowe, renowned for his innovative approach to analytical NBA writing, has been laid off by ESPN, a source confirmed to The Washington Post. Lowe, a key figure in the network's basketball coverage, joined ESPN after being recruited by Bill Simmons to write for Grantland, the now-defunct online magazine. He was part of a cohort of forward-thinking writers who emphasized statistical analysis and pioneered the inclusion of detailed video breakdowns in their work.

This news follows a trend at ESPN, which also let go of NFL analysts Robert Griffin III and Samantha Ponder in August as the network reassesses costly talent contracts ahead of the fiscal year-end in September. Despite numerous inquiries, both ESPN and Lowe declined to comment on the situation. The Athletic was the first to report his departure.

Lowe's exit comes just one week after fellow NBA journalist Adrian Wojnarowski announced his retirement to return to St. Bonaventure University. With these significant changes, ESPN's NBA coverage is poised for a transformation on both television and digital platforms. Lowe was a regular contributor to the daily studio show “NBA Today” and hosted a well-regarded podcast.

The NBA media landscape is currently experiencing considerable shifts. Alongside Wojnarowski's retirement and Lowe's exit, the impending arrival of new broadcast partners like Amazon and NBC promises to reshape NBA coverage as they look to build their own teams of reporters. Additionally, Shams Charania, another prominent NBA journalist, is set to enter free agency, and there are rumors that stars from TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” including Charles Barkley, may explore new opportunities as well.

Zach Lowe Laid Off by ESPN: Major Changes to NBA Coverage After Wojnarowski's Retirement