ESPN Axes ‘Around The Horn’ After 23-Year Run, Shocks Sports Fans

ESPN has announced the discontinuation of Around the Horn, a long-standing daily program.

The competition-based panel show led by Tony Reali will broadcast its last episode on Friday, May 23. Following this, a 30-minute segment of SportsCenter will temporarily occupy the 5 p.m. weekday time slot over the summer, making room for a new potential program in the autumn.

“Around the Horn has enjoyed an impressive tenure exceeding two decades. Achieving such durability in the broadcasting industry is exceptionally rare, and we plan to honor the show’s significant achievements as we approach its final broadcast in May,” stated David Roberts, ESPN Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment. “We owe a great deal of gratitude not only to Tony and the diverse group of on-air talent but also to the production crew headed by Erik Rydholm and Aaron Solomon, who have played crucial roles in the sustained success of ATH from its inception.”

Around the Horn first aired on November 4, 2002. The show consists of a rotating panel of sports journalists from across the nation who compete to score points—and avoid being silenced by Reali—by offering their insights on the day’s most significant sports stories. Regular panelists have included JA Adande, Kevin Blackistone, Tim Cowlishaw, Jemele Hill, Frank Isola, Bomani Jones, Mina Kimes, Jackie MacMullan, Woody Paige, Bill Plaschke, Bob Ryan, Ramona Shelburne, Sarah Spain, Pablo Torre, and Clinton Yates. By 2025, Woody Paige had secured the most victories on the show, with a total of 682 wins. Over its 23-year lifespan, the show has produced over 4,900 episodes.