The man who broke so much NBA news that his scoops earned him a clever nickname announced Tuesday on X that he is leaving ESPN and retiring from sports journalism to become general manager of the men's basketball program at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University.
Adrian Wojnarowski, known simply as Woj, filled the basketball landscape with “Woj bombs” – breaking news that he reported first, with accuracy and context.
Wojnarowski, 55, was hired by ESPN in 2017 after emerging as a must-read journalist and columnist at Yahoo Sports in 2007. He previously worked at the Record in Bergen County, New Jersey.
According to The Athletic, Wojnarowski makes around $7 million a year at ESPN and has three years left on his contract, meaning he's leaving around $20 million on the table.
His last Woj bomb was about himself.
“I am excited and honored to return to St. Bonaventure with the opportunity to serve the university, Coach Mark Schmidt and our elite Atlantic 10 men’s basketball program,” Wojnarowski said in a school news release. “In these changing times in college sports, I am eager to join a championship program that combines high-level basketball, national television exposure, professional preparation and NIL opportunities with an intimate and supportive educational environment.”
The role of general manager in college athletic programs has become increasingly important in the era of name, image and likeness opportunities. In addition to fundraising and helping with alumni relations, Wojnarowski will work with NIL groups and help manage the transfer portal.
Wojnarowski is a St. Bonaventure alumnus (class of 1991) and has maintained a strong relationship with the basketball program and the Jandoli School of Communication.
“I look forward to sharing with our community members some of the best practices learned from the NBA's most successful franchises and minds and am committed to opening doors globally for our players both on and off the court,” Wojnarowski said.
Bob Beretta, St. Bonaventure vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, welcomed Wojnarowski with open arms.
“At a time of tremendous turbulence within the intercollegiate athletics enterprise, we are making a strong statement that St. Bonaventure continues to be at the forefront of change,” Beretta said in a statement. “This is a bold step that aligns with our institutional goals to continue to grow and thrive.”
St. Bonaventure has qualified for the NCAA tournament three times since 2012 and went 20-13 last season.
Wojnarowski worked at Yahoo Sports from 2007 to 2015, starting as an NBA columnist until eventually helping launch Yahoo's standalone NBA site, Vertical, and serving as its editor.
“Woj is the perfect person to fill this new role, combining his deep knowledge of St. Bonaventure and our Franciscan values with a deep network of relationships he has built in the world of professional and intercollegiate basketball,” Beretta said. “The fact that the preeminent journalist in his field is willing to leave behind a lucrative media career to serve his alma mater in a support role is a testament to his love and passion for Bona.”
ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro told X that Wojnarowski's “work ethic is second to none. He is extraordinarily talented and courageous. He has led the industry at ESPN and his dedication to the craft and the fans is legendary.
“While we will miss his day-to-day performance, we completely understand his decision to make a lifestyle change and slow down a bit. We know he will continue to thrive in this next chapter and he has our collective gratitude and support.”
