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One week ago, Maria Taylor was preparing to lead ESPN's NBA Countdown during Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Twenty-four hours later, the Bucks were crowned NBA champions and the self-proclaimed worldwide leader in sports announced that it had parted ways with Taylor.
"So thankful to Jimmy and all of my great teammates and friends at the SEC Network, College GameDay, Women’s and Men’s college basketball, and the NBA Countdown family — the people who believed in me, encouraged me, pushed me, and lifted me up. Words are inadequate to express my boundless appreciation, and I hope to make them proud," Taylor said.
Along with Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks, Taylor quickly left Wisconsin and made her way to Japan for the Tokyo Olympics. Over the weekend, the star broadcaster joined NBC as the network begins its coverage of the worldwide sporting event. In her new role with NBC, Taylor will help cover the Olympics and the NFL alongside Tony Dungy and Mike Tirico.
“Incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with Pete, Molly, Sam, Fred, and the entire NBC Sports family,” Taylor said about her new opportunity.
“Literally, hosting the Olympics, Football Night in America, and the Super Bowl is what I dreamed of when I started in television – and this would not be possible without standing on the shoulders of all of those who came before me and made this path possible. And I plan to pay it forward.”
NBC will continue to cover the 2021 summer Olympics through August 8. Thirty-one days later, Taylor will make her debut on Football Night In America as the Dallas Cowboys travel to Tampa Bay, Florida to battle the defending Super Bowl champions.
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