How Rupert Murdoch Changed Sports Media Forever
ESPN has expressed an interest in hiring Bob Myers, the Golden State Warriors executive who stepped down as president and general manager on Tuesday.
The talks are very early on, sources told Front Office Sports.
The two-time executive of the year is likely to be barraged by offers from other NBA franchises.
Where and how Myers would fit into ESPN’s NBA coverage is unclear.
But hiring Myers would be a feather in the cap of the Walt Disney Co. as it tries to retain upcoming NBA rights in upcoming media negotiations. He could easily fit in with ESPN game or studio coverage, which includes Malika Andrews’ “NBA Today” and Mike Greenberg’s “NBA Countdown.”
During his 12-year run, he was one of the key architects of the Dubs dynasty of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and coach Steve Kerr.
“It’s just time,” Myers told ESPN senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, who broke the news of his departure.
Meyers is well acquainted with ESPN. Early this year, he launched a new podcast called “Lead by Example” with ESPN and Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions. He attracted heavyweight guests like NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Disney chief executive officer Bob Iger and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The 48-year-old executive’s current deal with the Warriors was slated to expire in June. The Warriors are facing some hard decisions with their aging roster.
“The Warriors are approaching a difficult crossroads with a payroll and luxury tax that could approach a historic $500 million in 2023-2024 without hard decisions made on the future of key players, including Green and Thompson,” wrote Wojnarowski.
“Green has a player option on his 2023-2024 contract, and Thompson is entering the final year of his deal. Both players are hopeful for lucrative extensions to remain with the Warriors.”
The Warriors have overtaken the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers on Forbes’ list of “Most Valuable” NBA franchises for the first time.
In October, Forbes pegged the Warriors’ value at $7 billion vs. $6.1 billion for the Knicks and $5.9 billion for the Lakers.
ABC/ESPN is poised to tip off their 21st consecutive season of exclusive NBA Finals coverage Thursday night, with Game 1 of the Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat.
