After much speculation, and that the NBA Finals are over, ESPN and Maria Taylor announced that Taylor could not come to terms on a new contract and they will go their separate ways. This coming after the two sides came to a temporary agreement for Taylor to work the rest of the NBA Finals due to her contract ending before Game 6.
While her next destination hasn’t yet been officially revealed, all indications seem to point toward Taylor going to NBC and immediately get to work for the network at the Tokyo Olympics.
Amid everything that has gone on over the past few weeks, from Rachel Nichols’ comments to Taylor leaving ESPN, many in sports media took to social media to show their appreciation of Maria and wish her well as she officially leaves ESPN.
What an amazing journey and career at ESPN!! The best is yet to come and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for this next chapter of your life! pic.twitter.com/20vOjXTC0d
— Meghan Triplett (@Meghan_Triplett) July 21, 2021
I’m so excited to see what’s next for @MariaTaylor and so proud! A woman I’m flattered many often say I remind them of, she’s a boss, trailblazer and a role model.. please continue leading the charge for black women in sports. You’re changing the game!
#blackwomeninsports pic.twitter.com/ho1qGygiYr — Renee Washington (@ReneePwash) July 21, 2021
Much love to @MariaTaylor who is a star on camera but behind the scenes she shines brighter w her mentoring for so many young people getting into the biz. Go crush it on the next adventure and keep changing lives, Maria.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) July 21, 2021
Onto bigger and better things @MariaTaylor
https://t.co/Ut7FRvC79o — Amanda Atwell (@AmandaMAtwell) July 21, 2021
Maria Taylor got a big grin on her face from that aerial shot because she knows a major bag is coming on her doorstep any second now.
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) July 21, 2021