Overview
- ESPN president of content Burke Magnus confirmed discussions about shifting Scott Van Pelt from late-night SportsCenter to the 5 p.m. ET window.
- Magnus said a plan to reunite Van Pelt with former radio partner Ryen Russillo was explored but ended when Russillo chose a Barstool Sports venture.
- Peter Schrager and Brian Windhorst are reported contenders for the role, with Windhorst’s new contract believed to be signed but not formally announced by ESPN.
- ESPN says the current 5 p.m. SportsCenter is outperforming Around the Horn’s audience, with some reporting a year-over-year increase of about 16%.
- If Van Pelt moves earlier, he would likely still anchor select late-night editions after marquee events, and any new 5 p.m. show is expected no earlier than 2026.