Adrian Wojnarowski retires from ESPN and joins St. Bonaventure

 

ESPN senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski has announced his retirement from ESPN to become the general manager of the men's basketball program at St. Bonaventure University, his alma mater. Wojnarowski, a 1991 graduate of the university, has maintained a close relationship with the program, actively fundraising for the school's collective in recent years.

"It’s the thrill of a lifetime to return to a university and community I love in a role of service to our student-athletes, coaches, and institution," Wojnarowski told ESPN. "I hope to bring value to our basketball program and open doors for our young men’s futures both professionally and personally."

Wojnarowski, 55, joined ESPN in 2017 after notable stints at Yahoo Sports and The Record of Bergen County. "I am retiring from a dream job at ESPN and am incredibly grateful for my time and experiences with the World Wide Leader," he said.

The general manager role has gained prominence in college basketball, particularly with the rise of the transfer portal. Wojnarowski's responsibilities will include managing recruiting, name, image, and likeness (NIL) allocations, and supporting long-time Bonnies coach Mark Schmidt.

"Woj is the perfect fit for this new role, blending his deep connection to St. Bonaventure with the extensive network he's built across professional and college basketball," said St. Bonaventure athletic director Bob Beretta. "His decision to leave a lucrative media career for his alma mater shows his deep love for Bona's."

In a statement shared on social media, Wojnarowski reflected on his career: "I grew up the son of a factory worker two miles from ESPN’s campus and dreamed of being a sportswriter. Thirty-seven years ago, the Hartford Courant gave me my first byline, and I’ve never stopped chasing the thrill. But now, I’ve decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. Time isn’t endless, and I want to spend mine in ways that feel more personally meaningful."

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Wojnarowski in a statement: "His work ethic and talent are unmatched. While we’ll miss his daily presence, we respect his decision and wish him the best in his next chapter."