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Two ESPN Personalities Set To Be 'Free Agents' This Summer

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 2:19 PM ET

ESPN's issues with layoffs have been well-documented through the years. But while there don't appear to be any more mass dismissals on the horizon, two noteworthy personalities could be out of a contract this summer unless the network reaches new deals with them.

According to Front Office Sports, NBA writer/insider Brian Windhorst and on-air personality Malika Andrews are considered "looming free agents" after the NBA season ends. Windhorst's contract expires this summer while Andrews' expires in the fall.

"The contracts for two of ESPN’s top NBA talents are coming up this year. Malika Andrews and Brian Windhorst are both looming free agents this NBA offseason, sources told Front Office Sports," Ryan Glasspiegel and Michael McCarthy reported for the outlet.

"Andrews’ current deal expires in the fall, while Windhorst’s is up this summer, say sources. ESPN wants to keep both its multimedia stars. But it’s an advantageous time for NBA talents to have deals coming up with Amazon’s Prime Video and NBC Sports starting new rights deals with the league next season.

"An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment."

Glass Break w/ @MMcCarthyREV: Malika Andrews and Brian Windhorst are both looming free agents at ESPN. Details at @FOS: https://t.co/8cUnKaNUML pic.twitter.com/eFqMH4KvBd
— Ryan Glasspiegel (@sportsrapport) February 21, 2025

Windhorst has been one of the top NBA insiders in the industry for decades, rising to prominence through his coverage of LeBron James' basketball career dating back to his high school days. He has been with ESPN since the early-2010s.

Andrews joined ESPN in 2017 and quickly emerged as one of the network's rising stars. Initially working as a writer, she rose to the ranks of on-air reporter and soon earned an Emmy nomination for her work. In 2022, she became the first woman to host the NBA Draft.

NBA fans have a wide range of opinions as far as the two of them go. Some love Windy and hate Andrews, some love Andrews and can't stand Windy and some love or hate both of them.

"This would be brutal if ESPN lets Windy walk, strictly because it would signal the end of The Hoop Collective. Far and away the best basketball pod there is," one user remarked.

"Can't imagine both of them not being brought back. Both are needed for their coverage. Both are excellent."

"Please Please don't bring back Malika Andrews who I can't stand anymore."

"Windy could be a diamond if positioned right. Online NBA fans of a certain demographic will be happy to see less of Malika if she leaves haha," a fourth wrote.

Will ESPN manage to bring both Windhorst and Andrews back? Should they?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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