"This NIL sh*t is just getting started"- Kevin Garnett forecasts NIL surge as 'top dog' Adrian Wojnarowski retires
Almost every NBA fan, including NBA legend Kevin Garnett, had something to say after Adrian Wojnarowski shocked them with the news that he was leaving ESPN. The 2008 NBA champion pointed out that the senior insider has gotten into the world of name, image and likeness and predicted the NIL world to get even bigger with Woj's entry.
"Ya’ll seeing this!? A ESPN top dog going into NIL. This NIL shyt is just getting started… shout out Woj 💯," Garnett tweeted.
Wojnarowski surprised everybody after announcint he's retiring from ESPN and the news industry altogether to become the general manager of the men's basketball program at St. Bonaventure. Wojnarowski is a St. Bonaventure alumn who has kept close ties with them over the years.
"It is a thrill of a lifetime to be able to return to a university and community that I love in a role of service to our student-athletes, coaches and institution," Wojnarowski told ESPN. "I am hopeful that I can bring value in a lot of areas to our basketball program and open doors for our young men's futures in ways both professionally and personally."
He was a member of ESPN for the last seven years after a stop at Yahoo! Sports, where he had Shams Charania as his protegé.
Adrian Wojnarowski explains why he's retiring from the news industry
In a statement shared on his personal X/Twitter account, Woj explained the reasons behind his decision:
"This craft transformed my life, but I've decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. I understand the commitment required in my role and it's an investment that I'm no longer driven to make. Time isn't in endless supply and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful."
After reportedly signing a contract worth $35 million in 2022, Wojnarowski is leaving $20 million on the table with this decision.
During his seven-year stint with ESPN, Adrian Wojnarowski was a strong presence online, where he became famous for dropping his 'Woj bombs' but also had appearances on various programs, including SportsCenter, NBA Countdown and Get Up!
His last 'Woj bomb' was Isaac Okoro's three-year, $38 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports reported that Shams Charania and Chris Haynes are the frontrunners to replace Adrian Wojnarowski in the so-called worldwide leader of sports.