Adrian Wojnarowski, renowned for his impactful NBA reporting, announced on X that he is departing ESPN and retiring from sports journalism to assume the role of general manager for the men’s basketball program at St. Bonaventure University, his alma mater.
Wojnarowski, who gained fame through his timely and insightful news scoops known as “Woj bombs,” joined ESPN in 2017 after making a name for himself at Yahoo Sports starting in 2007. Prior to that, he worked for the Record of Bergen County in New Jersey.
Reports indicate that Wojnarowski’s annual salary at ESPN was approximately $7 million, with three years remaining on his contract, leaving an estimated $20 million behind. In contrast, general managers at Division 1 universities typically earn between $130,020 to $172,958.
No successor has been named for Wojnarowski at ESPN, though Shams Charania and Chris Haynes are considered strong candidates. Charania began his career under Wojnarowski at Yahoo Sports and may soon be available, while Haynes has recently left TNT during a time of corporate litigation involving their parent company and the NBA.
Wojnarowski’s announcement about his career shift comes with excitement as he expresses gratitude for the opportunity to support the St. Bonaventure basketball program and its coaching staff. He aims to contribute to the program’s growth during a transformative era for college sports, focusing on high-level basketball, national exposure, and player opportunities.
As general manager, Wojnarowski will play a pivotal role in fundraising, alumni relations, and managing the burgeoning name, image, and likeness (NIL) initiatives along with the transfer portal.
A proud St. Bonaventure alumnus from the class of 1991, he has maintained a strong connection to the university’s basketball team and School of Communication, recalling fond memories of meeting his wife there.
St. Bonaventure’s vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, Bob Beretta, praised Wojnarowski’s selection as a bold move that signifies the university’s commitment to evolving within collegiate athletics.
With a history of three NCAA Tournament appearances since 2012 and a solid 20-13 record last season, St. Bonaventure has a competitive foundation on which Wojnarowski can build.
Wojnarowski’s previous tenure at Yahoo Sports included launching the network’s NBA site and serving as its editor, further cementing his reputation in the industry.
Jimmy Pitaro, chairman at ESPN, recognized Wojnarowski’s remarkable contributions, acknowledging his decision for a lifestyle change while wishing him success in his new role.
The NBA also extended congratulations to Wojnarowski, highlighting his integral presence within the league and playfully noting his extensive network of sources.