https://sports.yahoo.com/esp-ns-maria-taylor-reportedly-nearing-deal-with-nbc-sports-003726093.html

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ESPN's Maria Taylor reportedly nearing deal with NBC Sports
Chris Cwik
Chris Cwik
Wed, July 14, 2021, 8:37 PM·2 min read
Maria Taylor might be leaving ESPN for a major role at NBC Sports. Taylor — whose contract with ESPN expires during the NBA Finals — is reportedly nearing a deal with NBC Sports, according to Front Office Sports.

It's unclear how much money Taylor would make as part of the deal, but ESPN was reportedly offering Taylor $3 million to stay, so the NBC Sports figure would likely top that.

NBC Sports could have big plans for Taylor if she takes their offer. Front Office Sports mentions Taylor could host "Football Night in America" when Mike Tirico takes over play-by-play duty for Al Michaels. Tirico currently hosts "Football Night in America," but is expected to take over for Michaels once his contract expires after the 2021 season.

Maria Taylor could leave ESPN.
Maria Taylor could leave ESPN for NBC Sports. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Taylor has also worked on "College GameDay" at ESPN, and could be involved with Notre Dame broadcasts at NBC Sports.

Taylor's deal with NBC isn't finalized yet. It's currently "at the half-yard line," a source told Front Office Sports. The source noted, "That can still be a long way in contract negotiations."

The New York Post's Andrew Marchand previously reported NBC Sports' interest in Taylor.

Maria Taylor in the spotlight at ESPN after Rachel Nichols fiasco
Taylor's tenure at ESPN could end on a negative note after she was the subject of leaked 'diversity' comments from colleague Rachel Nichols. During the conversation, Nichols implied ESPN only wanted to advance Taylor due to the network's poor track record with diversity.

A number of employees at ESPN were furious over Nichols' comments. Nichols apologized to Taylor during an episode of Nichols' show "The Jump," and was then replaced as the NBA Finals sideline reporter by Malika Andrews.