Tony Reali throws a wad of paper at the camera during the taping of ‘Around the Horn'
This week, ESPN is undergoing a major transformation, parting ways with some of its most beloved television productions in favor of a digitally-powered future.
On Monday, the Los Angeles edition of SportsCenter aired its final episode. By Friday, Around the Horn—a show long treasured by fans—will toss its final paper. Longtime host Tony Reali is expected to deliver one last shot at the camera, a nostalgic nod to an era of classic sports commentary.
As part of this transition, Stan Verrett, who spent 25 years with ESPN, will not have his contract renewed. “Los Angeles is my life now,” Verrett shared on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying that he’s not retiring, but evolving with the industry. Meanwhile, Linda Cohn, who holds the record for most SportsCenter episodes hosted, remains under contract, though her future role is uncertain.
The iconic 10 p.m. PT SportsCenter broadcast from L.A. will now shift to 1 a.m. ET, recorded at ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. New anchor details have yet to be confirmed. ESPN’s David Roberts acknowledged Verrett’s impact: “We’re grateful for Stan’s many contributions and all he has brought to SportsCenter over the years.”
Changes are also sweeping through ESPN’s soccer studio coverage, now moving from L.A. to Bristol. Despite the closures, the Los Angeles Production Center will continue operations, supporting digital, enterprise, and other sports content production.
About 35 employees have been offered the chance to relocate. Scott Van Pelt will continue to anchor his midnight edition of SportsCenter from Washington, D.C., though the show’s production will also tie back to Bristol.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the end of Around the Horn. The long-running panel show will not be relocated—it’s being retired completely. To fill the slot, ESPN will temporarily air a 30-minute version of SportsCenter hosted by Matt Barrie and Christine Williamson on weekdays.
As the legacy shows fade, ESPN is doubling down on personalization. A new AI-powered version of SportsCenter is in development, offering users a curated sports news experience through the ESPN app—based on their favorite teams, leagues, and players. ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro hinted at using AI to “represent our talent’s voices in personalized formats.”
Simultaneously, the company is launching a new standalone streaming service priced at $29.99/month, aimed at younger, digital-first audiences. The platform joins ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu—all under Disney’s umbrella—offering both select and unlimited tiers of access.
Traditional studio shows aren’t disappearing entirely—they’re evolving. ESPN will adapt SportsCenter content for TikTok-style short-form videos on Disney+ and other platforms.
Other shakeups include ESPN Radio’s new lineup. Clinton Yates takes over Mike Greenberg’s 10 a.m. slot, followed by the debut of ‘Joe & Q’, and a revamped GameNight show in the evening.
In a nostalgic twist, Rich Eisen returns to the ESPN family—this time with a streaming-first format, reinforcing ESPN’s shift from cable broadcasting to immersive digital media.
Though longtime fans may feel bittersweet about the end of familiar shows, ESPN’s pivot mirrors the broader media landscape: more interactive, more mobile, and increasingly powered by technology. As the network reshapes its future, it’s clear that ESPN is betting big on personalization, accessibility, and digital innovation.
