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ESPN Eyes Scott Van Pelt for New 5 PM Slot

10/29/2025

50 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

ESPN is considering Scott Van Pelt for 5 p.m. slot previously held by Around the Horn.
Burke Magnus, an ESPN executive, confirmed discussions and said the move could ease Van Pelt's late-night duties.
Peter Schrager and Brian Windhorst are among the other candidates.
Magnus had envisioned pairing Scott Van Pelt with Ryen Russillo, who launched a Barstool Sports podcast.
Ryen Russillo stated his show remains unchanged, airing three times weekly.

History

Historical Context

Launched in 2003, ESPN's "Around the Horn" transformed sports commentary by introducing a competitive format with multiple journalists, drawing millions of viewers. This shift mirrored earlier changes in ESPN's programming, such as the 2004 rebranding of NBA Shootaround, reflecting the network's ongoing evolution to engage audiences amid a competitive media landscape. In 2023, ESPN is considering Scott Van Pelt for a new 5 p.m. slot.

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Story summary

ESPN is considering Scott Van Pelt for 5 p.m. slot previously held by Around the Horn.
Burke Magnus, an ESPN executive, confirmed discussions and said the move could ease Van Pelt's late-night duties.
Peter Schrager and Brian Windhorst are among the other candidates.
Magnus had envisioned pairing Scott Van Pelt with Ryen Russillo, who launched a Barstool Sports podcast.
Ryen Russillo stated his show remains unchanged, airing three times weekly.

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