Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, including new deals, departures, and assignments compiled from press releases and reports around the industry. In this week’s edition, ESPN signs Katie Feeney as content creator; CW Network announces broadcast lineup for 2025 ACC and PAC-12 football season; and more.
TNT Sports & Candace Parker Reach Multi-Year Extension
TNT Sports has reached a multi-year extension with Candace Parker, one of the most decorated basketball players of all-time, for an expanded role across its basketball portfolio.
The three-time WNBA Champion and two-time WNBA MVP will continue as an analyst for TNT Sports and CBS Sports’ NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship coverage, a position she’s held since 2019.
Additionally, Parker – a two-time National Player of the Year at Tennessee – will expand her college sports commentating duties to include serving as an analyst for TNT Sports’ inaugural seasons of BIG EAST men’s and women’s basketball and Big 12 men’s basketball.
Parker will also continue as a lead studio analyst for TNT Sports’ coverage of Unrivaled. She will also continue to contribute to Bleacher Report and its B/R W platform.
“I’m grateful to keep doing what I love with my TNT Sports family,” says Parker. “Getting to cover the Big EAST, Big 12, March Madness, and now Unrivaled — it all means a lot. These moments are special, and I don’t take any of it for granted.”
“Candace is one of the most respected figures in basketball and we’re excited to expand the ways she connects with fans through a growing number of TNT Sports properties,” says Nate Smeltz, Senior Vice President, Talent Relations & Global Communications, TNT Sports.
Parker was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, following a championship career at the University of Tennessee, where she led the Lady Vols to consecutive NCAA Championships in 2007 and 2008. During the 2008-09 WNBA season, she became the first player to earn WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season.
In 2016, Parker led the L.A. Sparks to a WNBA Championship, in which she was named WNBA Finals MVP. She added two more titles in 2021 and 2023, along with being elected to seven All-Star teams before retiring in April 2024. Parker also led Team USA Women’s Basketball to back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 Games.
Parker was named to the WNBA’s W25 list of greatest and most influential players and has been an integral part of TNT’s basketball coverage since 2019.
Beyond the court, Parker is part of the NWSL’s Angel City FC ownership group and was named President of Women’s Basketball for adidas following her retirement.
ESPN Bolsters Monday Night Football Sideline Reporters by Extending Lisa Salters, Elevating Laura Rutledge and Adding Katie George and Peter Schrager to Select Games
With the 2025 Monday Night Football season on the horizon, ESPN has extended Lisa Salters, elevated Laura Rutledge’s sideline reporting role and added both Katie George and Peter Schrager to its game coverage, resulting in two sideline reporters for all 25 NFL on ESPN games.
Monday Night Football’s Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Lisa Salters welcome Rutledge to all their telecasts (20 games), while George and Schrager join Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddickfor five games – the four weeks Monday Night Football has multiple games (Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 7) and the Doubleheader Saturday in Week 18.
Salters’ contract extension further cements the Emmy-winner as the longest-tenured sideline reporter in Monday Night Football history, set to enter her 14th season. Salters is one of the company’s most decorated and recognizable reporters, having excelled in several roles throughout her 25 years at ESPN, including multiple Emmy and industry award winning journalistic endeavors with E:60 and SportsCenter. Currently, in addition to Monday Night Football, she is the lead sideline reporter on ESPN’s NBA coverage, which includes the NBA Finals each season. In 2023, she won the Sports Emmy in the ‘Outstanding Personality/Reporter’ category.
Rutledge, now a two-time Emmy recipient as the host of NFL Live and reporting for SEC on ABC, has joined Buck, Aikman and Salters for marquee MNF regular season games and ESPN’s Wild Card and Divisional playoff games for the past few seasons, sharing the sidelines with Salters more than a dozen times. In those same seasons, Rutledge was the sideline reporter with Fowler, Orlovsky, and Riddick for select MNF dual game weeks. This season, in addition to appearing on MNF each week, fans will continue to see Rutledge host NFL Live and SEC Nation on Saturday mornings.
In Week 2 (Chargers at Raiders), George will make her NFL debut, while Schrager will add to his NFL sideline experience, a role he previously held with FOX and NFL Network. George is a top ESPN and ABC college football sideline reporter, having worked multiple College Football Playoff Semifinals and several marquee regular season games. In May, she was also recognized with an Emmy as part of ESPN’s SEC on ABC college football coverage. Beyond football, the former University of Louisville volleyball star is also a regular on NBA telecasts and more. In addition to her NFL responsibilities, George will continue in her college football and NBA roles.
Schrager, who joined ESPN in March, jumps back into a role he assumed for multiple seasons at FOX and international games with NFL Network. As he enters his first NFL season with ESPN, Schrager will also appear regularly across its studio programming, continuing frequent appearances on Get Up, First Take, The Pat McAfee Show, NFL Live and SportsCenter. Leading up to and surrounding the NFL’s tentpole events such as the Super Bowl, free agency and the NFL Draft, Schrager will have an increased presence on the same programs.
Director Artie Kempner will make his Monday Night Football debut this season after joining ESPN in the offseason following a 30+ year career directing NFL games at FOX. Kempner will team with veteran ESPN producer Steve Ackels, as both will lead the production, technical and operations teams for all Buck, Aikman, Salters and Rutledge broadcasts.
MJ Acosta-Ruiz and John Sutcliffe on ESPN Deportes
On ESPN Deportes, sideline reporter MJ Acosta-Ruiz returns for her second season, partnering with long-time reporter John Sutcliffe, who celebrated his 300th MNF game on the network last season. Both join Rebeca Landa (play-by-play) and Sebastian Martinez-Christensen (analyst) weekly for MNF games.
The CW Network Sets Broadcast Crews for 2025 ACC and PAC-12 College Football
The CW Network announces the broadcast crews calling the upcoming 2025 season of ACC and Pac-12 football games, as well as the talent for the network’s “CW Football Saturday” studio show and new “CW Football Saturday Countdown” live pre-show.
The CW’s broadcast crew for ACC games will once again be led by veteran broadcaster Thom Brennaman, who is returning for his second year as play-by-play announcer for CW Sports. Brennaman spent 26 years at FOX Sports calling the network’s marquee NFL and MLB games, including numerous postseason and World Series matchups. He previously served as the television voice for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. Brennaman will be joined by booth analyst Will Blackmon and sideline analyst Wes Bryant. Blackmon is a 12-year NFL veteran, a Super Bowl XLVI champion with the New York Giants, and played for Green Bay, Jacksonville, and Washington. A Boston College Hall of Fame inductee, he now serves as a football analyst for FOX Sports and NFL Network. Bryant is a former offensive lineman for Wake Forest and the co-host of the “Wes & Walker Show” on 92.7 FM WFNZ in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Pac-12 games on The CW will feature hall-of-fame play-by-play announcer Ted Robinson, booth analyst Ryan Leaf and sideline analyst Nigel Burton. Robinson is a three-time Emmy Award-winning announcer who has spent more than four decades covering a variety of sports, serving as the lead play-by-play announcer for football and men’s basketball on Pac-12 Networks from 2012 through the 2023-24 season. He also served as play-by-play announcer for the Golden State Warriors, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants. He has called 14 Olympic Games and was inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. Washington State Hall of Fame quarterback Ryan Leaf is the CEO of RAM Consultant, Inc., a college and NFL football game analyst for Westwood One and hosts a SiriusXM radio show on NFL Radio. Nigel Burton served as head coach for Portland State’s football program for five years from 2010-14. He was a three-year starter at safety for the University of Washington and most recently served as a football analyst across Pac-12 Networks studio programming, traveling road show and on game broadcasts.
Mike Yam returns to CW Sports as the host of the “CW Football Saturday” studio show alongside analyst Michael Bumpus; together they break down the all the exciting college football action throughout the day. Yam currently serves as a studio host at NFL Network while also regularly appearing on SiriusXM Radio. Before joining NFL Network, Yam spent nine years as the lead studio host for Pac-12 Networks, anchoring marquee pre- and postgame coverage for football and basketball. Bumpus is a former wide receiver for the Washington State Cougars who hosts the Seattle Sports radio “Bump and Stacy Show” and is the lead host for Seahawks radio.
The CW is expanding its live studio presence this season to include “CW Football Saturday Countdown” beginning Saturday, September 13 (4:00-4:30pm ET) ahead of the ACC game between South Florida and Miami. Yam and Bumpus will be joined by former Oregon tight end George Wrighster as they preview that day’s marquee game on The CW featuring exclusive insight and expert analysis.
“CW Football Saturday” kicks off with a Pac-12 matchup of Idaho at Washington State on Saturday, August 30 (10:00pm-1:30am ET). ACC games begin on Saturday, September 6 (12:00-3:30pm ET) with Baylor at SMU.
Pac-12 Enterprises will produce all Pac-12 games and “CW Football Saturday Countdown” for The CW. Raycom Sports will produce all ACC games for The CW.
ESPN Signs Katie Feeney as Sports and Lifestyle Content Creator
As part of its commitment to driving growth and innovation across digital and social platforms, ESPN has signed Katie Feeney—a sports and lifestyle content creator with more than 14 million social media followers— to create content across ESPN’s social and digital channels.
The recent college graduate will contribute daily to ESPN’s social and digital efforts, including leading a refreshed approach to SportsCenter on Snapchat, which reaches over 9 million subscribers. In addition, Feeney will deliver vertical short-form video content designed for an enhanced ESPN App experience launching in early fall. Overall, her work will complement ESPN’s existing roster of creators who specialize in real-time, social-native storytelling.
In addition to her role with ESPN Social, Feeney will make appearances on several of ESPN’s premier NFL and college football studio shows, including Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown and College GameDay. Feeney will bring her signature first-person, lifestyle-driven approach – a blend of on-site access, fashion, and culture – to fans.
“From capturing Penn State games on the sidelines to now joining the biggest platform in sports, this journey has been incredible,” says Feeney. “I grew up watching SportsCenter with my family, and I’m proud to now be part of the storytelling that brings ESPN to millions of fans around the world.”
“Katie has built an impressive and authentic connection with sports fans by blending access, personality, and Gen-Z culture in a way that feels fresh and engaging,” says Kaitee Daley, ESPN Senior Vice President, Digital, Social and Streaming Content. “Her perspective and creativity are a perfect match for how we’re reimagining coverage to meet fans where they are, and we can’t wait to see the energy she brings to ESPN’s daily coverage and live event moments.”
A graduate of Penn State University, Feeney has quickly emerged as one of the most influential creators in sports media. In 2022, she became the first-ever social media correspondent for an NFL team, the Washington Commanders, and has since covered everything from the Super Bowl to the Oscars. Her behind-the-scenes access and personal storytelling have cultivated a loyal following across TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and more.
ESPN Digital & Social continues to set the standard as the No. 1 U.S. digital sports property across every key metric and demographic, with record engagement driven by its social media platforms and direct-to-fan content strategy. The addition of Feeney further strengthens ESPN’s commitment to connecting with fans through innovative content and voices that reflect the intersection of sports and culture.
NBC Sports Announces Courtside Reporters and NBA Insider for Upcoming NBA Coverage
NBC Sports announced today that Jordan Cornette, Ashley ShahAhmadi, and Zora Stephenson are joining its NBA coverage as courtside reporters and Grant Liffmann as an NBA Insider focusing on front office news.
Stephenson, who joined NBC Sports in 2021, currently serves as a sideline reporter for Notre Dame and Big Ten Football and a play-by-play voice for Peacock’s exclusive slate of Big Ten Women’s Basketball. She worked as a basketball and gymnastics reporter for the 2024 Paris Olympics and as a social media host during the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. From 2019-2023, she served as a sideline and digital reporter for the Milwaukee Bucks on Bally Sports/Fox Wisconsin, and in April 2021 became the first woman to handle play-by-play for a Bucks game. Additionally, Stephenson was a four-year member of the basketball team at Elon University and a team captain.
Cornette currently serves as a college basketball analyst for NBC Sports, regularly appearing on Big Ten College Countdown. A four-year member of the Notre Dame basketball team from 2001-2005 and the program’s all-time leader in blocks (201), Cornette was a two-time team captain and helped lead the Fighting Irish to three NCAA Tournament appearances. Before NBC Sports, Cornette spent time at ESPN, appearing on programs such as Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, The Huddle, and more. In addition to his college basketball duties at NBC Sports, Cornette has also appeared as a studio host and field reporter on GOLF Channel.
ShahAhmadi previously served as the Charlotte Hornets’ sideline reporter for Bally Sports South for multiple seasons. Her prior basketball experience also includes being an ESPN Radio NBA postseason reporter and, while previously at TNT Sports, an NBA host and reporter. Aside from basketball, ShahAhmadi has served as one of ESPN’s college football sideline reporters since August 2023, primarily working with SEC Network.
Grant Liffmann served as an executive in the Atlanta Hawks’ front office for three seasons. Liffmann held the role of VP of Basketball Operations, as well as most recently the VP of Pro Personnel, overseeing the pro scouting department. Prior to his time in the Hawks’ front office, he spent nearly six years at NBC Sports Bay Area primarily covering the Golden State Warriors, where he hosted the Warriors Outsiders show. Liffmann will serve as NBC Sports’ NBA Insider focusing on front office news and will also occasionally serve as a game reporter.
“Our reporting roster is loaded with former captains and leaders who are lifelong hoopers and who understand the game from the inside out,” says NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood. “Zora, Jordan, and Ashley are uniquely positioned to tell the inside story unfolding on the court. With Grant, we’ve got a voice fresh out of the front office. He can break down not just what’s happening, but why it’s happening when the news drops.”
The NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock on Tuesday, Oct. 21, when the 2025-26 season tips off. Throughout the course of the season, NBC Sports will present up to 100 regular season NBA games — including five games a week for portions of the season — plus the playoffs and All-Star Weekend. NBC and Peacock will present coverage on Tuesday nights beginning in October. After Sunday Night Football coverage concludes in 2026, NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock. Peacock will livestream national Monday night games starting Oct. 27.
Today’s announcement concludes NBC Sports’ on-air commentator team for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Play-by-Play
Game Analysts
Studio Hosts
Studio Analysts
Game Reporters
NBA Insider
Special Contributor