The NBA is one of the most-watched and highly anticipated sports leagues in the world. We all love this game, but do we really know the people who bring to us the stories about our favorite teams and players? So in order to know who these people are that make the NBA post-match and pre-match analysis better, we have a list of the top 5 most liked male NBA reporters.

Stephen A. Smith

Stephen Anthony Smith, a versatile figure in the world of sports media, boasts an impressive resume that spans several domains, including television, radio, journalism, and acting. Smith’s distinguished career began with him securing a basketball scholarship to attend Winston-Salem State University, where he played under Hall of Fame coach Clarence Gaines. While at college, Smith displayed his flair for journalism by writing a column for the university newspaper, The News Argus. In 1991, Smith graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication.

Today, Smith has carved a niche for himself with his work as a commentator on ESPN’s First Take. Additionally, he lends his expertise as an analyst on SportsCenter and NBA Countdown, further cementing his status as a knowledgeable sports authority. Smith’s endeavors expand beyond television, as he also hosts The Stephen A. Smith Show on ESPN Radio. His prolific writing portfolio includes featured columns for ESPNNY.com, ESPN.com, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Smith’s hard work and dedication have led him to become the highest-paid reporter in the industry, with an astounding $12 million annual salary. This income comprises not only his $8 million personal salary but also a $4 million production contract, which he inks annually. In late 2019, Smith signed a lucrative five-year deal with ESPN, valued at $60 million, reflecting the immense value he adds to the network.

In summary, Stephen Anthony Smith’s multi-faceted career as a sports television persona, radio host, journalist, and actor has garnered him widespread recognition and respect. His storied journey from college basketball player to one of the highest-paid reporters highlights his unwavering commitment and passion for sports journalism. As Smith continues to captivate audiences with his insights and charisma, he remains a preeminent figure in the sports media landscape.

Max Kellerman

Max Kellerman, a resounding name in sports commentary, has been causally engaging audiences on ESPN’s First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim Rose since July 2016. His insightful commentary and dynamic sports analysis are integral to the show’s success.

In addition to his television commentary, Kellerman also made a successful foray into national ESPN Radio with The Max Kellerman Show in August 2020. This venture demonstrates Kellerman’s versatility in his ability to command attention and deliver compelling content across multiple platforms.

Interestingly, Kellerman didn’t start in mainstream sports commentary. As a teenager, he launched Max on Boxing, a show dedicated to professional boxing, on public access cable television in New York City. Kellerman’s passion for boxing and infectious on-air presence quickly made a mark in the sports commentary landscape.

Simultaneously, while hosting Max on Boxing, he also pursued his academic interests and completed his graduation in history from Columbia University. Shortly after his graduation, ESPN recognized his talent and brought him aboard as an analyst for Friday Night Fights, further cementing Kellerman’s foothold in sports commentary.

As Kellerman’s career progressed, he was greatly inspired by Pardon the Interruption, a popular ESPN show. Riding on this influence, he launched his own show on ESPN titled Around the Horn in 2002. The show was an instant hit among American audiences due to Kellerman’s unique commentary style and engaging content.

Despite the show’s immense popularity and Kellerman’s growing influence in sports analysis, ESPN and Kellerman could not reach an agreement in 2004, leading to a parting of ways. However, Kellerman soon found a new home at Fox Sports Net, where he launched I, Max. His journey is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the field of sports commentary.

In summary, Max Kellerman’s voyage from teenage cable television host to a prominent ESPN commentator is a riveting tale of dedication and passion. His distinctive brand of sports analysis continues to captivate audiences, making him a stalwart figure in the realm of sports broadcasting.

Skip Bayless

Skip Bayless, an acclaimed journalist, author, and television personality, is best known for hosting the sports debate show, Skip and Shannon: Undisputed, which airs on FS1 on weekdays.

In September 2016, Bayless joined FOX Sports after working at ESPN for several years. He began his ESPN tenure with the network in 2004 on ESPN2’s Cold Pizza and later co-hosted First Take with Stephen A. Smith.

Before his work on ESPN and FS1, Bayless enjoyed a long and accomplished journalism career. He collaborated with FOX Sports earlier in his journey, appearing regularly on Jim Rome’s show, The Last Word, on FOX Sports Net during 2001 and 2002. He also made frequent appearances on FOX Sports’ The Best Damn Sports Show Period.

Bayless embarked on his journalistic career with newspaper writing, including working as the lead sports columnist for the Chicago Tribune. His writing portfolio extends to other prominent publications such as the Dallas Morning News, Dallas Times Herald, Miami Herald, and Los Angeles Times.

Throughout his career, Bayless has received numerous accolades for his work. In 2000, he was awarded Illinois Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association for his contributions to the Chicago Tribune. Moreover, Bayless was honored as Texas Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association three times (1979, 1984, and 1986). In 1977, he won the prestigious Eclipse Award for Outstanding Newspaper Writing for his coverage of Seattle Slew’s Triple Crown victory while working at the Los Angeles Times.

Beyond newspapers, Bayless has contributed to national sports publications like Sports Illustrated and authored three books. He also possesses experience in sports radio and television.

Educationally, Bayless attended Vanderbilt University, where he majored in English and history, and graduated in 1974. His diverse background and accomplishments across various media platforms have solidified his position as a leading figure in sports journalism and commentary.

Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe is the co-host for the sports opinion and debate show “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed,” airing weekdays on FS1.

He is a three-time Super Bowl Champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer who spent 14 seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens. He’s been selected to four First-team All-Pros and been a part of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.

Sharpe holds the NFL postseason record for longest reception, a 96-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown at Oakland in the 2000 AFC Championship Game. He also holds the NFL record for most receiving yards in a game by a tight end (214). A big-game performer who played his best under the brightest lights, Sharpe appeared in 12 post-season contests as a Bronco and ranks third in franchise playoff history in receptions (47) and fourth in receiving yards (505).

Sharpe first transitioned from the field to a broadcast career in 2004, as a commentator for CBS Sports’ “The NFL Today,” appearing on pregame, halftime, and postgame shows, where he served for close to 10 years. In addition to his television work, Sharpe served as a radio host for Sirius NFL Radio’s “Opening Drive” morning program alongside Bob Papa. In 2013, he also took to writing as a columnist and spokesperson for “FitnessRX For Men” magazine and appeared on the cover of the publication’s September 2013 issue.

Adrian Wojnarowski

Adrian Wojnarowski joined ESPN in July 2017 as Sr. NBA Insider.

Wojnarowski, recognized for transforming NBA news-breaking and reporting across the past decade-plus, is central in ESPN’s multimedia coverage of the NBA throughout the year — covering the league, its teams, players, trade deadline, free agency, the NBA Draft, the NBA Summer League and more. His reporting, insights, and analysis appear on ESPN.com and in the ESPN app, featured on SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, Get Up, Outside the Lines, and other programs.

Wojnarowski hosts The Woj Pod, which regularly delivers the biggest stars and newsmakers in the NBA. Wojnarowski also hosts “The Woj Report” on ESPN’s Youtube page.

Wojnarowski’s peers voted him the National Sports Media Association’s National Sportswriter of the Year in three consecutive years — 2017, 2018, and 2019. Wojnarowski joins past NSMA winners as Tom Verducci, Rick Reilly, Frank Deford, Jim Murray, and Red Smith as winners in three successive years. He was the first digital reporter to win the award.

Wojnarowski is the New York Times best-selling author of “The Miracle of St. Anthony: A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball’s Most Improbable Dynasty.”

Prior to his work for ESPN, Wojnarowski worked for Yahoo Sports, where he spent nearly 10 years, including two as editor of The Vertical.

Be sure to check out our list of the top 5 most liked female NBA reporters.