ESPN Talent Discusses Long-Term Contracts, Career Growth, and WNBA Show - Episode Hero Image

ESPN Talent Discusses Long-Term Contracts, Career Growth, and WNBA Show

Sports Media with Richard Deitsch · · Listen to Original Episode →
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TL;DR

  • Committing long-term to ESPN allows Malika Andrews to cover the NBA Finals and Conference Finals, while also providing opportunities to explore other roles within the Disney/ABC umbrella.
  • Chiney Ogwumike views ESPN and Disney as family, leveraging opportunities to cover both the NBA and WNBA, fulfilling a lifelong dream of contributing to women's basketball's growth.
  • The sustained chemistry of the "NBA Today" cast over five years is highlighted as a rare and valuable asset, contributing to the show's unique quality and appeal.
  • Navigating ESPN as young talent involves healthy competition and a commitment to mutual success, with Malika and Chiney supporting each other's diverse roles and growth.
  • Malika Andrews emphasizes that asking for opportunities, even with potential sacrifices, is crucial for career advancement, citing her own experiences in securing roles.
  • Both Malika Andrews and Chiney Ogwumike actively watch and learn from competing NBA media coverage, viewing it as valuable "film study" for improving their own content.
  • The potential for a daily WNBA-focused studio show on ESPN is seen as an aspirational goal, signifying the sport's growing importance and audience interest.

Deep Dive

Malika Andrews and Chiney Ogwumike, both prominent figures at ESPN, discuss their decisions to sign long-term contracts with the network. Andrews highlights ESPN's role as the home of major NBA events, including the NBA Finals and Conference Finals for the next decade, and the opportunities it provides for her to return to sideline reporting and explore other projects within ABC and Disney. Ogwumike echoes this sentiment, viewing ESPN and Disney as family and emphasizing the network's commitment to both men's and women's basketball, including the WNBA Finals and NCAA tournaments. She expresses pride in being part of the growth and elevation of women's sports, having a foot in both the NBA and WNBA universes.

The conversation then shifts to the chemistry and longevity of their on-air relationships, particularly within the context of shows like "NBA Today." Andrews notes the rarity of maintaining a core cast for extended periods, citing "Inside the NBA" and "Friends" as examples of successful long-term ensembles. She emphasizes that this stability, hard to achieve in the media landscape, contributes to the special nature of shows like "NBA Today" and "NFL Live." Ogwumike agrees, describing their relationship as a "family" forged through their shared dedication to analyzing and preparing for broadcasts, even if it means sacrificing casual hangouts.

Navigating ESPN as young, on-air talents is explored, with both women acknowledging the challenges of a competitive environment. Ogwumike distinguishes between competition and "healthy competition," where they push each other to excel while understanding their mutual investment in each other's success. She uses Andrews' demanding schedule and willingness to step into different roles as an example of this dynamic, describing herself as "positionless" in her approach to broadcasting, much like basketball. Andrews adds that they had to unlearn the myth that only one person can occupy a certain role, advocating for vulnerability and open communication to create opportunities for multiple talents. She also defends Aaron Andrews' comments about missing holidays and weekends, framing them as transparency rather than complaint, and encourages young broadcasters to ask for opportunities, citing her own experience securing a spot in the NBA bubble.

The discussion turns to how they perceive ESPN's new media rights partners, such as NBC and Prime Video. Andrews views these entities less as direct competitors and more as fellow participants in sports coverage, noting their different formats and distribution channels. She actively watches their broadcasts for "film study," identifying elements they can adapt or that affirm their own approaches. She also expresses excitement for former colleagues like Maria Taylor and Vince Carter, who are now with these other partners. Ogwumike shares this perspective, describing herself as a "TV girl" who watches extensively and texts hosts and analysts about what she admires. She sees the emergence of new partners as an "elevation" and inspiration, rather than direct competition, and highlights innovative broadcast elements like 3D player replicas and on-court graphics as advancements that benefit the sport.

Ogwumike addresses a concept she posted on Twitter regarding "glue people" in the media industry who, in her experience, are often underpaid and first to be laid off. She identifies herself as an anomaly in this regard, suggesting that while "hot takes" drive clicks and revenue, championship teams require "glue players." She asserts that by consistently delivering knowledge and passion, she has carved out a unique lane, particularly as a woman in basketball dialogue, even if she doesn't command the same salary as figures like Stephen A. Smith. Andrews adds that the daily nature of "NBA Today" allows them to continuously refine their coverage, aiming to provide the "protein" fans seek, even if they sometimes feel they've "left meat on the bone" after each show. She appreciates feedback, like that from a dedicated viewer named Paul, and highlights the intentional effort to make "NBA Today" a true WNBA show during the summer months, a drive that originated with Ogwumike.

Andrews discusses her return to sideline reporting, noting that she has her schedule for games through Christmas Day and anticipates covering the postseason, though the Finals as a sideline reporter remain a possibility with Lisa Salters currently holding that primary role. Ogwumike is then asked about the departure of Elle Duncan for Netflix and its potential impact on ESPN's women's basketball coverage. Ogwumike expresses that if the reports are true, Duncan, one of her favorite teammates and friends, will be missed. She emphasizes that while Duncan's departure means the "big three" dynamic with herself and Andrea will evolve, there are ways to build upon their established excellence and include more voices in women's basketball coverage. She stresses the importance of a host who understands the demanding nature of assignments like March Madness and can bring levity and basketball knowledge, attributes she believes Duncan and Taylor possessed.

The conversation then focuses on draft predictions for the Dallas Wings, who hold the No. 1 pick. Andrews and Ogwumike initially agree on Aliyah Fudd, but Ogwumike later pivots to Lauren Betts, citing her shooting ability and immediate impact potential as a floor spacer. She contrasts this with Betts as a potential "generational talent" who could be a longer-term project. Both acknowledge the strength of the draft class and the importance of shooting in the modern game.

The topic of agents and navigating the business is addressed, with Ogwumike explaining that while she initially needed an agent like Allison Geller to help her navigate her playing and broadcasting career, she now takes ownership of her career by building relationships with producers and VPs. She advises young broadcasters to seek agents who can have conversations they may not feel comfortable having early in their careers. Andrews shares her experience, noting that she couldn't afford an agent when she was in newspapers but found value in conversations with her agent, Matt Kramer, who later negotiated her ESPN deal. She stresses that an agent's 10% commission is a significant cost and advises young professionals to consider if they can make that money back through the opportunities an agent provides.

Andrews discusses becoming more comfortable as a subject of media coverage, acknowledging that comments about her personal life, such as her marriage or weight, never become truly comfortable. However, she states that this experience has sharpened her empathy and influenced how she asks questions to players. She also appreciates fans being invested in her, and with Ogwumike's help, has become more comfortable sharing personal aspects of her life. Ogwumike reflects that public attention is not new to her, having been written about since her youth. She finds peace in knowing she believes what she says, even if it's questioned, and credits her preparation and understanding of what she represents for this comfort. She distinguishes her current approach from her early days at ESPN, where she felt she had to be more polished and less authentic.

Finally, the possibility of a daily WNBA studio show is discussed. Ogwumike expresses strong support for this idea, viewing it as an aspirational goal that would signify the sport's importance and could "own the broadcast space." She believes ESPN, with its resources and talent, is the ideal platform for such a show. Andrews agrees, noting that "NBA Today" intentionally becomes a more WNBA-focused show during the summer months, a shift driven by Ogwumike and others

Action Items

  • Audit media coverage: Analyze 3-5 recent articles about yourself to identify recurring themes or criticisms for personal development.
  • Create career development plan: Define 3-5 specific skills or roles to pursue in the next 1-2 years, aligning with personal growth objectives.
  • Track audience feedback: Systematically collect and categorize feedback from 5-10 sources (e.g., emails, social media comments) to inform content strategy.
  • Develop cross-functional collaboration framework: Outline 3 key areas for improved communication and knowledge sharing with colleagues in related departments.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"And then there's a couple of other things I can't quite share yet but I'm really really excited to share soon that's going to kind of continue to allow me to branch out and to play at these these other parts of ABC and Disney -- that's really been exciting for me so I think it was that kind of confluence of factors plus I get to hang out with Chiney every day that kind of made me say like you know what this has been home and there was really it was kind of a no brainer for me."

Malika Andrews explains that her decision to sign long-term with ESPN was influenced by the opportunities for growth beyond traditional sports broadcasting, including potential roles within ABC and Disney. She also highlights the positive working relationship with Chiney Ogwumike as a significant factor in her commitment.

"The NBA is truly the blueprint for basketball, the standard, right? For, you know, whether it is success and franchises and global game and all those types of things. And the WNBA is is standing on its own now in a way that we never expected in this moment. And to be able to have a foot in both universes and to say that like I'm a part of building that too, a place that I have played and and um has been my existence since I since I've been 10 years old, it like brought a whole another life in me that I sort of never thought might have been seen or brought it shown a light on an area that I thought like I was so comfortable with."

Chiney Ogwumike articulates the significance of the WNBA's current growth, positioning it as a league that is now standing on its own and exceeding expectations. She expresses her excitement about being able to contribute to this development, drawing parallels to the NBA's established success and her personal history with the game.

"It's really hard to have that many consecutive years together -- and so that's also something I think that was a part of it for me is I'm a I'm a utility player in that way like we we wanted to do this kind of together and we know that we don't really take that for granted because of how much turnover you see in so many shows it's why NFL Live is special it's why NBA Today is special it's because that's really really hard to do."

Malika Andrews emphasizes the rarity and value of maintaining a consistent core cast on a show like NBA Today. She views the longevity of their team as a significant factor in her decision to re-sign, recognizing that such stability is difficult to achieve and contributes to the show's special quality.

"There's competition and then there's healthy competition and I think we have a healthy competition in the sense that we want to challenge each other to be great even though it may be uncomfortable at times what we understand that we're invested in each other's success. A perfect example of this is Malika Andrews, I don't know what she runs on but like this woman is a beast. She'll travel across the country to do sit down interviews, she'll go, you know, host shows, she'll host big events, she'll come back and do our studio show and I'm just sitting next to her saying my sis needs a break."

Chiney Ogwumike describes her professional relationship with Malika Andrews as one of "healthy competition," where they push each other to excel while being invested in each other's success. She illustrates this by highlighting Andrews' demanding schedule and her own concern for her colleague's well-being, showcasing their supportive dynamic.

"The industry standard is 10% of your salary pre-tax and um cheap becomes expensive. I've known people who've taken lesser percentages and ultimately end up in various, you know, whatever the case may be. It's difficult to untangle those situations. So the first question is, can you afford it? And for me, when I was in newspapers, the answer was no. The answer was I could not afford it."

Malika Andrews advises aspiring broadcasters to consider the financial implications of hiring an agent, noting the industry standard of a 10% commission. She shares her personal experience of not being able to afford an agent during her early career in newspapers, emphasizing that the decision should be based on whether the agent's services will ultimately prove to be a worthwhile investment.

"No, it doesn't totally get more comfortable. I appreciate that. And just so for for those who don't know, um, Malika's sister Kendra Andrews is a reporter at ESPN and very, very, oh, family, yeah, super, super, another super talent there."

Malika Andrews candidly states that becoming the subject of media coverage never becomes entirely comfortable, particularly when it involves personal aspects of her life. However, she acknowledges that the experience has sharpened her empathy and that she appreciates the investment fans have in her, with her sister Kendra's support being a valuable resource.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "The Athletic" - Mentioned as a burgeoning online company at the time of a career transition.

Articles & Papers

  • "Sports Business Journal" - Mentioned as a source for an article discussing "glue people" in the sports industry.
  • "The Athletic" - Mentioned as a source for reporting on Elle Duncan's potential move to Netflix.

People

  • Malika Andrews - Host of ESPN's NBA Countdown, NBA Today, WNBA Countdown, and the NBA Draft; sideline reporter for the NBA.
  • Chiney Ogwumike - ESPN studio analyst and host for NBA, WNBA, and women's college basketball; contributor on NBA Today, Get Up, First Take, and SportsCenter.
  • Richard Deitsch - Host of the Sports Media Podcast.
  • Patrick Antonetti - Producer of the Sports Media Podcast.
  • Elle Duncan - Mentioned as leaving ESPN for Netflix.
  • Nneka Ogwumike - Chiney Ogwumike's older sister, a WNBA player.
  • Perk - Mentioned as part of the core cast of NBA Today.
  • Brian Windhorst - Mentioned as part of the core cast of NBA Today.
  • Tim Legler - Mentioned for his work on NBA Today.
  • Aaron Andrews - Mentioned for her comments about missing holidays and weekends.
  • Maria Taylor - Mentioned as being back on the NBA project.
  • Vince Carter - Former colleague on NBA Today.
  • Andrea - Mentioned as part of the core cast of NBA Today and the "big three" for women's basketball coverage.
  • Rebecca Lobo - Mentioned for her work on game broadcasts and signing an extension.
  • Holly Rowe - Mentioned for her work on game broadcasts and women's basketball coverage.
  • Kendra Andrews - Malika Andrews' sister, a reporter at ESPN.
  • Alexa Philipp - Mentioned as a regular on NBA Today.
  • Monica McNutt - Mentioned for her role in pushing women's basketball coverage.
  • Hillary Geyer - Producer of NBA Today.
  • Beth Molten - Mentioned as a reason for the current state of women's basketball.
  • Debbie Antonelli - Mentioned as a reason for the current state of women's basketball.
  • Pam Morden - Mentioned as a reason for the current state of women's basketball.
  • A'ja Wilson - Mentioned as an example of a mobile big in the WNBA.
  • Alyssa Thomas - Mentioned as an example of a mobile big in the WNBA who set a WNBA record for triple-doubles.
  • Dominique Malonga - Mentioned as a player Chenae admires.
  • Lauren Betts - Mentioned as a potential draft pick for the Dallas Wings.
  • Azzi Fudd - Mentioned as a potential draft pick for the Dallas Wings.
  • Latsin - Mentioned as a potential draft pick around the sixth or seventh pick.
  • Allison Geller - Chiney Ogwumike's agent.
  • Matt Kramer - Malika Andrews' agent at CAA.
  • Lynn Kiffin - Mentioned in relation to CAA.
  • Dave - Mentioned in the context of relationship maintenance with an agent.
  • Stephen A. Smith - Mentioned in the context of hot takes and driving attention/revenue.
  • Jimmy Pitaro - Mentioned in comparison to the podcast host.

Organizations & Institutions

  • ESPN - Primary employer of Malika Andrews and Chiney Ogwumike; home of NBA Finals and WNBA Finals.
  • Disney - Mentioned in relation to ESPN.
  • NBA (National Basketball Association) - Primary subject of discussion.
  • WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) - Subject of discussion regarding coverage and future.
  • Netflix - Mentioned as a potential new employer for Elle Duncan.
  • CAA (Creative Artists Agency) - Agency representing Malika Andrews.
  • The Athletic - Mentioned as a burgeoning online company and a potential career move.
  • New York Times - Malika Andrews' former employer.
  • Chicago Tribune - Mentioned as a potential career move for Malika Andrews.
  • Sports Illustrated - Mentioned as a potential career move for Malika Andrews.
  • Dallas Wings - WNBA team discussed in relation to draft picks.
  • Toronto Tempo - Expansion WNBA franchise discussed.
  • United States Postal Service - Mentioned in a holiday-themed advertisement.
  • FanDuel - Mentioned in a sports betting advertisement.

Websites & Online Resources

  • Apple Podcasts - Platform to subscribe to the podcast.
  • Spotify - Platform to subscribe to the podcast.
  • podcastchoices.com/adchoices - Website for ad choices.
  • audacyinc.com/privacy-policy - Website for listener data and privacy practices.
  • getstart.tiktok.com - Website for TikTok ads.
  • californiapsychics.com - Website for California Psychics.
  • usps.com/holidays - Website for USPS holiday shipping information.
  • fanduel.com/sports - Website for FanDuel sports betting.

Podcasts & Audio

  • Sports Media with Richard Deitsch - The podcast being discussed.
  • NBA Today - ESPN show hosted by Malika Andrews and featuring Chiney Ogwumike.
  • NBA Countdown - ESPN show hosted by Malika Andrews and featuring Chiney Ogwumike.
  • WNBA Countdown - ESPN show hosted by Malika Andrews and featuring Chiney Ogwumike.
  • Get Up - ESPN show featuring Chiney Ogwumike.
  • First Take - ESPN show featuring Chiney Ogwumike.
  • SportsCenter - ESPN show featuring Chiney Ogwumike.
  • Inside the NBA - Mentioned as a blueprint for chemistry in studio shows.

Other Resources

  • NBA Draft - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • NBA Finals - Event discussed as a key part of ESPN's coverage.
  • WNBA Finals - Event discussed as a key part of ESPN's coverage.
  • NCAA Tournament - Event discussed as a key part of ESPN's coverage.
  • CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) - Mentioned in relation to potential news.
  • TikTok - Mentioned as a platform helping businesses reach new customers.
  • Vibe Check - Show on Disney Plus mentioned in relation to exploring ways to elevate women's basketball.
  • "Glue People" - Concept discussed in relation to individuals who get things done but are often overlooked or laid off.
  • "Positionless" Basketball - Concept discussed in relation to player versatility.
  • "Hot Takes" - Mentioned as a driver of clicks, headlines, and revenue.
  • "Smart Basketball Coverage" - Concept discussed in relation to nuanced analysis.
  • "Tape Breakdowns" - Mentioned as a need in basketball coverage.
  • "Sit Down Conversations" - Mentioned as a need in basketball coverage.
  • "The Big Three" - Affectionate term for the women's basketball studio team (Chiney, Andrea, L).
  • "7 am SportsCenter" - Chiney Ogwumike's former role.
  • "March Madness" - Event discussed in relation to the demanding role of a host.
  • "The Bubble" - Mentioned in relation to Malika Andrews' early career opportunity.
  • "The Game" - Refers to both men's and women's basketball.
  • "The League" - Refers to the WNBA.
  • "The Standard of Excellence" - Concept applied to both men's and women's basketball coverage.
  • "The Blueprint" - Mentioned in relation to the NBA and its influence.
  • "The Jump" - Show that had the same core cast for five years.
  • "NFL Live" - Mentioned as a special show due to its core cast.
  • "The Athletic" - Mentioned as a burgeoning online company and a potential career move.
  • "The New Media Rights Holders" - Mentioned in relation to the NBA.
  • "The NBA's Online" - Malika Andrews' new schedule.
  • "The WNBA Countdown" - Show that has expanded programming.
  • "The WNBA Today Umbrella" - Exists under NBA Today.
  • "The NBA Today" - Show that becomes a WNBA Today show in the summer.
  • "The WNBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event discussed in relation to Malika Andrews' role.
  • "The NBA Draft" - Event

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