ESPN reporter Maria Taylor was in negotiations with the company regarding a new contract, but it appears she couldn't come to an agreement. Following the drama with co-worker Rachel Nichols, Taylor will be leaving ESPN.
ESPN & @MariaTaylor jointly announced today that after much discussion, an agreement on a contract extension could not be reached
As a result, her last assignment for ESPN was last night's NBA Finals telecast
Comments from Jimmy Pitaro & Maria Taylor: https://t.co/yNSoLzKCP8 pic.twitter.com/bFjIQ6myzX
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) July 21, 2021
Maria Taylor also spoke out on the decision to leave the worldwide leader in sports:
“So thankful to Jimmy and all of my great teammates and friends at the SEC Network, College GameDay, Women’s and Men’s college basketball, and the NBA Countdown family — the people who believed in me, encouraged me, pushed me, and lifted me up. Words are inadequate to express my boundless appreciation, and I hope to make them proud.”
Just last month, there was some footage leaked of Nichols bashing ESPN for giving Maria Taylor her courtside NBA finals job last season in the Orlando Bubble. Because of her comments, Nichols was replaced by Malika Andrews in this year's finals.
While we don't know if this whole fiasco played any part in Taylor leaving, it probably didn't help. She's been employed by ESPN for around eight years and there are rumors circling that Maria Taylor could be on her way to NBC. There is also the possibility she is involved with the network at the Tokyo Olympics, according to the New York Post.
ESPN reportedly offered her a $2 million raise, but it wasn't enough for her to stay.
Follow Us
Subscribe