A pair of familiar faces are returning to ABC’s NBA studio show. In other news, former ESPN baseball analyst John Kruk will work Phillies games next season, and former baseball commissioner Bud Selig has been elected to the Hall of Fame.
Johnson, Wilbon, Returning to NBA Countdown
- ESPN announced Monday that it has named Magic Johnson and Michael Wilbon the analysts for Saturday editions of NBA Countdown on ABC, marking the first time that either has been part of ESPN’s NBA team since the 2012-13 season. It also marks Johnson’s return to ESPN and broadcasting in general, following a five-year stint with the network from 2008-13 and previous positions with Turner Sports and NBC. The pair will work with host Sage Steele. (ESPN Media Zone 12/6)
Gone From ESPN, Kruk Returns to Phillies Broadcasts
- Former ESPN MLB analyst John Kruk will work as a Phillies game analyst for Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia next season, the network’s website reported last week. Kruk, who will be part of a rotation of analysts, previously called the team’s games in 2003. He worked as a studio and game analyst for ESPN from 2004 until this year, briefly ascending to the network’s lead broadcast team from 2013-15. (csnphilly.com via philly.com)
Selig Enters Hall of Fame
- Former Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame next year. Selig served as commissioner from 1992-2014, first on an interim basis and then officially from 1998 onward. His tenure was marred by the 1994-95 players’ strike that resulted in the owners cancelling the 1994 World Series, not to mention the so-called “steroid era.” On the other hand, it also included expanded playoffs and interleague play, changes that were once-controversial but are now well-received. (Sports Business Daily 12/5)
