The hosts of Pardon the Interruption are sticking around. In other news, ESPN has added a pair of new analysts to its NBA studio show and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will work a pair of NASCAR races as a guest analyst.
PTI Hosts Renewed
- ESPN has reached multi-year contract extensions with Pardon the Interruption hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon. The news was announced Wednesday, the 15th anniversary of PTI’s debut. The duo will remain in their current roles, which for Wilbon also includes contributing to NBA coverage. (ESPN Media Zone 10/19)
NBA Countdown Adds Two
- ESPN NBA analysts Chauncey Billups and Tracy McGrady have joined the network’s weeknight NBA Countdown studio team, the network announced Tuesday, working alongside the returning Jalen Rose and new host Michelle Beadle. The new team debuted on Wednesday’s NBA preseason doubleheader. ESPN has not yet finalized the studio team for weekend editions of the show on ABC, which will be hosted by Sage Steele. (ESPN Media Zone 10/18)
Dale Jr. Doing TV
- NBC Sports announced Wednesday that NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is out for the remainder of the season due to concussion issues, will serve as a guest analyst on NBCSN’s coverage of the next two Sprint Cup races. Earnhardt Jr. will work “portions” of both races alongside the usual NASCAR on NBC team of Rick Allen, Jeff Burton and his former crew chief Steve Letarte. (NBC Sports Group Press Box 10/19)
