After an impressive career covering the NBA, ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski has decided to retire from journalism to return to St. Bonaventure University, his alma mater.

The announcement came as a surprise to NBA fans, as the award-winning journalist leaves behind a lucrative career at ESPN to become the general manager of St. Bonaventure’s men’s basketball program.

Wojnaroswki’s network to benefit St. Bonaventure

Wojnarowski, known widely for his NBA scoops and breaking news stories, is transitioning into a role where he will be responsible for helping manage the team’s involvement in name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, maintaining relationships with recruits and alumni, and assisting with player development and program fundraising.

His experience and network within the NBA are expected to offer invaluable insights to the St. Bonaventure program.

Wojnarowski’s retirement comes as he walks away from a contract extension signed with ESPN in 2022.

Despite his continued success in journalism, he now feels the pull to give back to the university where his career began.

Both Wojnarowski and his wife, Amy, are alumni of St. Bonaventure, and the couple have been longtime supporters of the university’s basketball program.

“I’m grateful to President Jeff Gingerich, Bob Beretta, Coach Schmidt, and the entire St. Bonaventure community for welcoming my wife, Amy, and me back into the campus community in a new role,”Wojnarowski said.

“We met on this beautiful campus as undergraduates and have shared a lifelong love with the university that continues now. I’m ready to get to work.”

In announcing his departure from ESPN on social media, Wojnarowski reflected on his career and the personal reasons behind his decision.

“This craft transformed my life, but I’ve decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry,”Wojnarowski wrote.

“Time isn’t in endless supply, and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful.”

Wojnarowski’s decision comes at a time when college athletics, especially men’s basketball, are navigating significant changes.

Many schools have added general manager roles to better manage the challenges posed by NIL, the transfer portal, and evolving recruitment practices.

“I’m hopeful to share with members of our community some best practices learned from the most successful franchises and minds in the NBA,”Wojnarowski said, emphasizing his commitment to opening doors for players both on and off the court.

A press conference will be held at St. Bonaventure on September 25 to formally welcome Adrian and Amy Wojnarowski back to the university community.