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.
You all love @MariaTaylor b/c she’s amazing at her job and an actual star… but I love Maria for all the things you don’t see. Her compassion, her friendship and most importantly her advocacy. I have watched this woman time and time again go to bat for women- hold ppl accountable
— Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) July 21, 2021
Maria Taylor is leaving ESPN, reportedly for NBC. And good. Networks should compete for her as an emerging Nantz, Costas, Buck or Tirico. We haven't often seen women be tapped to be the face of a sports network but Taylor has the talent to chart that path. And that paycheck.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) July 21, 2021
I’m bummed I no longer get to call @MariaTaylor my ESPN teammate. But I’m thrilled to see what lies ahead for her! 🙌🏾
Maria, you are so damn good at what you do. So continue to do what you’ve *been* doing: ✨SHINE ON✨ 😘♥️ https://t.co/izamIXkudk
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) July 21, 2021
Congrats @MariaTaylor. See you on the other side. https://t.co/4SvVtSbi6O pic.twitter.com/0okHS4RDy8
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 21, 2021
🎉🎉@MariaTaylor 🎊🎊
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
Pretty sad Maria Taylor won’t be on College GameDay anymore. She was my favorite part of that show 😔
— Jessica Smetana (@jessica_smetana) July 21, 2021
Gonna miss having you as a @CollegeGameDay teammate @MariaTaylor but excited to see what you do next. Keep smiling, keep shining … pic.twitter.com/ELiP40WXeJ
— Desmond Howard (@DesmondHoward) July 21, 2021
Always and forever rooting for you @MariaTaylor. Our friendship is beyond the scope of just working together and I wish you continued success on EVERYTHING you do. #Queen #BlackWomenRock https://t.co/IrnroyOM7T
— Terrika (@SheKnowsSports) July 21, 2021
Simply put: @MariaTaylor is the best of the best. She is the ultimate pro. She is a mentor. She is a friend. She believed in me when I was just the new social girl on College GameDay. She advised me in hard times. She celebrated me in good times. Can’t wait to see what’s next ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IJ0Q6CUEjv
— Reva Labbe Kingsbury (@sorevawaslike) July 21, 2021
During my first football game for ESPN, @MariaTaylor took time out of her crazy Saturday schedule to text me and tell me she was watching. She’s so talented and deeply cares for the people she works with. I can’t wait to see what she does next! https://t.co/YpoFU69KWE
— Courtney Lyle (@sportney_lyle) July 21, 2021
Congratulations @MariaTaylor! Continued success on your next endeavor. It was a pleasure to work with you and to share the stage with you on @SoulofaNation. Keep rising and shining! https://t.co/Mt6r9O9ijy
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) 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
