ESPN’s NBA and NFL “Countdown” shows are moving into a new rooftop locale. Plus: Trey Wingo is reportedly done at ESPN; College Gameday has set its first road show locale; a pair of NBC NFL studio analysts will be working remotely this year.
ESPN NBA, NFL studio shows relocating to rooftop NY studio
In a pandemic-related move, the ESPN studio shows NBA Countdown, Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown will originate from a new, climate-controlled rooftop set atop ESPN’s New York production center, it was announced Tuesday.
Notably, NBA Countdown will originate from New York for both the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals, rather than travel to the league’s “bubble” site at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
ESPN’s original plan for the season was to have The Jump precede its NBA Finals broadcasts. It was not immediately clear what role The Jump will now have in finals coverage. [ESPN PR 9.8]
Trey Wingo’s ESPN career reportedly over
ESPN is parting ways with host Trey Wingo, the New York Post reported last week, ending his 23-year tenure with the company. Wingo lost his role as co-host of ESPN Radio’s morning show at the end of last month and his only remaining role with the company was as host of its NFL Draft coverage. Per the Post, Wingo’s preferred landing spot is NFL Network, but his “overtures … have been unsuccessful thus far.” [NYP 9.4]
ESPN’s Gameday sets first road show for Wake Forest
ESPN’s College Gameday is scheduled to travel to Wake Forest for its first road show of the season on Saturday. The show would originate on-field at the 50-yard line with cardboard cutouts and virtual fans substituting for the crowds of students that would typically serve as its background. Gameday opened its season last weekend with host Rece Davis in ESPN’s Bristol studios and the show’s analysts appearing remotely. [ESPN PR 9.5, Greensboro.com 9.7]
NBC’s Harrison, Florio, to work remotely this season
NBC’s Rodney Harrison and Mike Florio will contribute to Football Night in America remotely from their respective homes, it was announced Monday. Mike Tirico, Tony Dungy and Chris Simms will be in-studio and Liam McHugh on-site.
Harrison and Florio join Fox NFL Sunday analyst Jimmy Johnson in working from home this season. [NBC Sports PR]
