Amazon has started to assemble an impressive roster of talent for its NBA game broadcasts and studio shows starting next season. So far, they’ve secured renowned play-by-play announcers Ian Eagle and Kevin Harlan, while also adding host Taylor Rooks and former NBA stars Blake Griffin and Dirk Nowitzki to their studio show.
On Tuesday afternoon, Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported that Cassidy Hubbarth, a longtime ESPN host and reporter, is set to join Amazon’s broadcast team as the lead NBA sideline reporter.
Cassidy Hubbarth Reportedly Joining Amazon as Lead NBA Sideline Reporter
Hubbarth’s hiring represents a major step in Amazon’s efforts to establish itself as a key player in NBA media rights. Hubbarth will take on the coveted role of lead sideline reporter for Amazon’s top broadcast team, alongside Eagle. According to Marchand, Amazon is still in the process of filling out the rest of its A-team and is reportedly considering candidates like Stan Van Gundy, Richard Jefferson, and Dwyane Wade for game analyst roles.
Hubbarth’s departure from ESPN marks the end of an illustrious 15-year career with the network. She joined ESPN in 2010 and worked her way up from hosting digital content on ESPN3 to becoming a prominent host and sideline reporter for NBA games on ESPN and ABC.
For Hubbarth, the move to Amazon represents a key step forward in her career. Taking on the role of lead NBA sideline reporter marks a natural progression, a position previously held by Lisa Salters during her time at ESPN.
Amazon’s decision to tap Hubbarth underscores their commitment to creating high-quality NBA coverage that can rival traditional broadcast networks. With Hubbarth’s experience, charisma, and deep ties to the NBA, she seems well-positioned to thrive in this new role.
This hiring also reflects the growing competition in sports media, as streaming platforms like Amazon Prime continue to poach top talent from traditional networks to bolster their sports programming. Hubbarth’s move is just the latest example of how the landscape of sports coverage is evolving, with Amazon aiming to bring fresh voices and perspectives to the league’s fan base.
As Amazon continues to shape its NBA coverage team, fans can look forward to more announcements in the coming months. With Hubbarth joining the ranks alongside their other key hires, it’s clear the company is on track to deliver high-quality, engaging NBA broadcasts.
