ESPN Stars Andrews and Windhorst Enter NBA Free Agency Amid Broadcast Shakeup

NEW YORK, N.Y. — ESPN faces a pivotal moment as two of its leading NBA personalities, Malika Andrews and Brian Windhorst, are set to become free agents this offseason. With their contracts expiring soon, the network must act quickly to retain both talents amid a shifting landscape of NBA media rights.

Andrews, who hosts “NBA Today” and “NBA Countdown,” has a contract that finishes in the fall, while Windhorst’s deal concludes this summer. Their impending free agency comes as Amazon Prime Video and NBC Sports prepare to enter NBA broadcasting for the 2025-26 season, intensifying competition.

“We are actively working to keep our stars, including Andrews and Windhorst,” said an ESPN spokesperson who declined to elaborate further on contract negotiations.

At just 30 years old, Andrews has quickly established herself as a key figure in sports media. Sources report that she has received the NBA’s endorsement as the face of ESPN’s coverage. Her potential future roles could mirror that of Robin Roberts, transitioning into daytime news or entertainment programming within the Disney organization.

Windhorst, 47, known as “Windy,” has been a significant figure in NBA analysis and reporting for over a decade, noted for his extensive coverage of star player LeBron James. His insightful contributions were highlighted when he went viral in a memorable 2022 segment on “First Take.” Inside the network, he is recognized for his comprehensive understanding of NBA dynamics.

According to a media insider, “Shams is the what—and Windy is the why,” referring to Windhorst’s analytical prowess that complements the breaking news style of NBA insider Shams Charania.

As Amazon and NBC ramp up their hiring to develop competitive NBA coverage, there’s buzz around potential signings that could enhance their credibility. Prime Video has already designated rising talent Taylor Rooks for its studio coverage. NBC is still finalizing its roster but has notable figures like Maria Taylor, who has experienced success at both ESPN and ABC.

Amid these changes, ESPN has recently added new analysts, including Quentin Richardson, to bolster its NBA coverage. Additionally, the network has secured the rights to air “Inside the NBA” from TNT, a strategic maneuver aimed at retaining its status as the leading destination for basketball content.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has been proactive in his efforts, negotiating collaborations that include securing Charles Barkley’s presence on their programming next season, despite financial challenges leading to high-profile departures in recent years.

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, fans are speculating on the future of both Andrews and Windhorst. Some believe Andrews’ star power could attract interest from both NBC’s nostalgic broadcasting legacy and Amazon’s innovative platform. Meanwhile, Windhorst’s depth of knowledge around team strategies and league dynamics makes him a top target for networks looking to elevate their NBA brand.

The NBA’s recent deal with several networks signifies an era of transformation in how basketball is consumed. With NBC returning to NBA coverage for the first time since 2002 and Amazon introducing streaming capabilities, ESPN is now contending with formidable rivals.

Andrews’ burgeoning career and Windhorst’s analytical presence could significantly reshape the sports broadcasting landscape, leaving fans eager to see where they land. As interest grows, only time will reveal the outcomes of their contract negotiations, and what may come next in the evolving realm of NBA coverage.