But ESPN has a coming decision to make about “High Noon.” Both hosts have contracts that expire in early spring, and the network is now testing the show in front of focus groups. Negotiations will soon heat up in earnest and observers both inside and outside ESPN are deeply curious about the outcome.
There are other potential options for Jones and Torre. FS1 is suddenly looking for a morning host to replace Cris Carter, which might suit Jones. And HBO, the anchor of the new WarnerMedia’s new streaming service, could have interest, as might CNN, under the same umbrella. The Athletic could also be a home for either to write and for Jones to host his podcast.
ESPN, meanwhile, is always seeking to balance audience flow and the ratio of commentary to highlights across an entire day of programming, as well as on other platforms across the company. Executives like to point out that “OTL” will continue to air Saturday mornings with daily branded segments on “SportsCenter,” and the company just launched a daily podcast, which aspires to an elevated conversation and is hosted by journalist Mina Kimes. ESPN executives both like and appreciate the voices of Jones and Torre in their current roles and the other work they’ve done — Torre wrote for years for ESPN the Magazine and Jones has written for the website, was a radio host and continues to host a podcast.