ESPN Taps Chiney Ogwumike and Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions for New Weekly Show
Chiney Ogwumike, a retired WNBA star turned respected sports media personality, is stepping into a new chapter of her broadcasting career with Chiney Today, a digital show launched in partnership between ESPN and Omaha Productions, the production company founded by NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.
The show launched March 17 and will air twice-weekly, giving Ogwumike a dedicated platform to cover the full scope of basketball — from the NBA and WNBA to the culture and community that surrounds the sport.
“I’ve been fighting for this opportunity for a long time,” she said in an interview with People, published March 17.
“And I don’t take this for granted because I know I’m doing this for the players and for the locker rooms that I was in and for the moment that we’re in,” she added.
Chiney Ogwumike: A Voice for the Game at Every Level
In a press release published the same day, ESPN described Ogwumike as “one of the few national voices covering men’s and women’s basketball at the highest level” and “one of the most respected and influential voices in sports media.”
That recognition underscores the unique lane Ogwumike has carved for herself. She is not just a commentator who analyzes games from behind a desk — she lived them.
A former No. 1 overall pick and two-time WNBA All-Star, Ogwumike also served as a former vice president of the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA), according to her ESPN bio.
She is also one of the first commentators to cover the sport while simultaneously playing in the WNBA.
That combination of on-court experience, front-office advocacy, and broadcasting skill is precisely what ESPN hopes Chiney Today will channel for viewers and listeners.
What to Expect From ‘Chiney Today’
Ogwumike has made clear that Chiney Today will go well beyond highlights and game recaps.
“Basketball has always been so much bigger than final buzzers and box scores – it’s culture, community and global connection. I have been blessed to witness the game from every angle; on the court, in the studio, and even as a fan,” Ogwumike said, per the press release.
“Chiney Today is about bringing all of that together, covering the entire basketball landscape in one place. We’re not only breaking down the game at the highest level, we’re also getting into everything that gives hoops its heartbeat,” she added.
In her interview with People, Ogwumike described her show as “a home for everyone who truly loves hoops.”
She wants to continue being a voice for her fellow athletes, but also use her platform to be critical when the situation calls for it.
That blend of advocacy and accountability is a balance many sports media figures attempt, but few have the credibility to pull off. Ogwumike’s resume — as a player, a union leader, and a broadcaster — positions her to do both.
ESPN Leadership Backs the Vision
ESPN Senior Vice President of Sports Studio & Entertainment Mike Foss alluded to Ogwumike’s “ability to connect leagues, players, and audiences through both insight and authenticity” in his support for the show.
Foss said he looks forward to watching Ogwumike use her platform to “lead thoughtful, dynamic conversations that reflect how fans experience the game today,” per the press release.
That emphasis on how fans experience basketball today is a telling detail. The way audiences consume sports has shifted dramatically, with digital platforms, social media clips, and podcasts becoming primary avenues for engagement, particularly among younger viewers.
Chiney Today appears designed to meet fans where they already are.
For fans eager to tune in, episodes of Chiney Today will be available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all digital show and podcast platforms.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
