Veteran NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski has revealed he was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer earlier this year, adding context to his decision to step away from daily sports journalism.
In a recent Sports Illustrated profile, Wojnarowski shared that a routine physical in February raised concerns after tests showed elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Despite an initial MRI showing no abnormalities, a follow-up PSA test remained high, prompting a biopsy in March that confirmed the cancer diagnosis.
“I found out just before going on NBA Countdown,” Wojnarowski told SI’s Chris Mannix. “When you hear the word ‘cancer,’ you think it’s just going to sweep through your body like Pac-Man.”
Fortunately, doctors reassured him that his condition was treatable and likely slow-growing. Prostate cancer typically remains localized in its early stages and responds well to monitoring and lifestyle changes.
Wojnarowski, 55, emphasized that his diagnosis wasn’t the main reason behind his departure from ESPN in September. Instead, the longtime NBA insider — famous for his “Woj Bombs” — said he had grown weary of the relentless pace of breaking news and wanted to pursue a more meaningful chapter in his life. In May, he accepted a role as the general manager of the men’s basketball team at St. Bonaventure University, his alma mater.
The funeral of ESPN NFL insider Chris Mortensen in May also had a profound impact. “It made me stop and think — there’s more to life than being first on Twitter,” Wojnarowski said.
While his diagnosis was a wake-up call, Wojnarowski now focuses on his health with a commitment to better sleep, regular exercise, and improved diet. He currently shows no symptoms and will undergo quarterly checkups to monitor his condition.
His successor at ESPN is Shams Charania, a former colleague from Yahoo Sports and one of Wojnarowski’s top rivals in NBA reporting.
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