Michelle Beadle
ESPN today announced that Michelle Beadle has been named the full-time host of NBA Countdown on ABC and ESPN. In this role, Beadle will lead the company’s NBA pre-game and halftime shows, including for the NBA Finals on ABC. She will also host ESPN’s and ABC’s studio coverage throughout the NBA Playoffs, which includes ESPN’s exclusive coverage of the Western Conference Finals. Previously she split hosting duties with Sage Steele who will host SportsCenter on The Road and travel to sports sites across the county
Beadle said, “The only thing better than working for Connor Schell and Kevin Wildes is being able to spend each day with all of the incredibly talented people at NBA Countdown and SportsNation. It’s the best job in sports. Did I mention that Kawhi Leonard is the M.V.P. of the league?”
Beadle will host the remaining regular-season editions of NBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC, including for the season finale of NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC on April 8, at 8 p.m. ET. She will also continue to serve as a co-host for SportsNation, which airs Monday-Friday on ESPN at 3:30 p.m.
Kevin Wildes, ESPN vice president, original content said, “I’ve had the wonderful experience of working directly with Michelle for several years and as predicted, she’s made a tremendous mark on NBA Countdown since joining the show in October. It’s very rare to find a commentator who can so masterfully combine intelligence, candor, and humor and she does it all while keeping her finger on the pulse of the NBA. Like a great point guard, she makes everyone around her better and we’re looking forward to this next chapter in Michelle’s career as she leads us forward on NBA Countdown.”
Beadle joined NBA Countdown at the start of the current season, and has led ESPN’s regular Wednesday and Friday episodes. She also hosted ABC’s NBA Countdown on Christmas Day.