ESPN Considers Scott Van Pelt for 5 p.m. Time Slot

ESPN is contemplating a significant programming change by potentially moving Scott Van Pelt from his current 11 p.m. "SportsCenter" slot to the 5 p.m. time slot, which was previously occupied by "Around the Horn" until its cancellation in May 2025. This move aims to fill a prime viewing window between "NFL Live" and "Pardon the Interruption," as ESPN seeks to maximize audience engagement during peak hours. Burke Magnus, ESPN's president of content, has confirmed that Van Pelt is a leading candidate for this role, alongside other notable figures such as NFL analyst Peter Schrager and NBA reporter Brian Windhorst.

New York TimesNew York PostScott Van Pelt could trade late-night ‘SportsCenter’ for old ‘Around the Horn’ timeslotScott Van Pelt a leading contender for old “Around the Horn” slotNJ.comStaten Island Advance

Scott Van Pelt has been a prominent figure at ESPN, hosting "SportsCenter" since 2015. His late-night show has garnered a loyal following, blending sports highlights with his unique commentary style. At 58 years old, Van Pelt has expressed a desire to transition away from late-night hosting, making the proposed move to an earlier time slot a timely opportunity for both him and the network.

Scott Van Pelt could trade late-night ‘SportsCenter’ for old ‘Around the Horn’ timeslotScott Van Pelt a leading contender for old “Around the Horn” slotNew York PostNew York TimesNJ.comStaten Island Advance

Initially, there were plans to reunite Van Pelt with his former ESPN Radio co-host Ryen Russillo, who recently left The Ringer to join Barstool Sports. Magnus acknowledged that this pairing was a personal preference, stating, “That was a bit of a selfish concept by me, because I was such a huge fan of those two when they were together years ago.” However, with Russillo's new venture, the focus has shifted solely to Van Pelt as a candidate for the 5 p.m. slot.

Staten Island Advance

Currently, "SportsCenter" is outperforming "Around the Horn," with Nielsen ratings showing a 16 percent increase in viewership year-over-year. Magnus noted, “We are pleasantly surprised by how ‘SportsCenter’ has a bigger audience than what ‘Around the Horn’ was doing.” This success allows ESPN to take its time in deciding the future of the 5 p.m. slot, with a new show not expected to debut until 2026.

New York Times

While the potential shift has been met with enthusiasm from some quarters, there are concerns about the implications for late-night programming. If Van Pelt transitions to the earlier slot, ESPN will need to identify a suitable successor for the late-night "SportsCenter," a role that has become synonymous with Van Pelt's brand. Critics argue that finding a replacement who can maintain similar viewership levels will be challenging.

Scott Van Pelt could trade late-night ‘SportsCenter’ for old ‘Around the Horn’ timeslot

Burke Magnus has emphasized the importance of making a well-considered decision regarding the 5 p.m. slot. He stated, “We are looking at taking all the time we need to get it right,” indicating that ESPN is committed to ensuring the new programming aligns with audience expectations.

New York Times

As ESPN navigates this potential transition, the network will continue to evaluate its options for the 5 p.m. time slot. The decision regarding Van Pelt's future role is anticipated to unfold over the coming months, with the aim of enhancing ESPN's overall programming strategy.

New York Times