ESPN unveiled a restructured NBA Countdown team on November 19, 2025, marking a significant shift in the network’s basketball programming strategy. The change brought a fresh lineup featuring renewed focus on the NBA landscape with Malika Andrews as host, alongside analysts Brian Windhorst, Michael Malone, Kendrick Perkins, and insider Shams Charania. Most notably, Stephen A. Smith departed from his regular role after nearly four years on the show, a transition that prompted immediate speculation and required clarification from the sports media personality himself.
The restructuring represents more than a simple talent shuffle. It reflects changes stemming from Smith’s $100 million five-year contract extension signed in March 2025, which deliberately allowed him to reduce his commitments to the weekly pregame show. According to Smith’s own account on his SiriusXM program, the shift was negotiated during contract talks that began in June 2024 and concluded in April 2025. He explained that while he valued his work on Countdown, he sought greater flexibility to pursue other ESPN projects and personal ventures. This decision aligned with ESPN’s broader initiative to enhance its NBA coverage through technological upgrades and expanded talent depth.
By The Numbers
Key Developments
The New NBA Countdown Roster
The revamped panel brings fresh voices and championship-caliber experience to ESPN’s marquee basketball studio show
Questions About the Changes
The November 2025 restructuring of ESPN’s NBA Countdown represents a strategic realignment of the network’s basketball studio programming. The new panel that debuted on November 19 combines championship experience, insider reporting, and hosting continuity under Malika Andrews’ leadership. Stephen A. Smith’s transition from the show, negotiated as part of his $100 million five-year contract extension, allows him to concentrate on First Take and other ESPN initiatives while maintaining his status as a network cornerstone.
The new roster brings distinct perspectives: Michael Malone’s coaching authority from a recent championship, Brian Windhorst’s reporting credentials following his multi-year contract extension, Kendrick Perkins’ championship experience, and Shams Charania’s insider access to league developments. The network’s enhanced Virtual Reality 2.0 technology further upgrades the viewer experience, positioning ESPN’s NBA coverage for the 2025-26 season. Smith remains available for select appearances and continues to contribute across ESPN’s broader basketball programming, maintaining his role within the network’s family of sports media personalities.
