Magic Johnson Returning to ESPN

Magic Johnson is returning to ESPN, a highly placed source with knowledge of the network confirmed to The Big Lead. Magic’s season debut will be on Christmas Day, when ESPN and ABC will broadcast five games, including an NBA Finals rematch between the Cavs and Warriors. THR reported in September that ESPN’s Christmas studio coverage will be hosted by Michelle Beadle.

Unauthorized to speak publicly on the matter, the source requested anonymity. An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment for this story.

After Christmas, Magic will be on ABC’s Saturday night broadcasts. According to the source, those broadcasts will also feature the return of Michael Wilbon to the program, and will be hosted by Sage Steele. Starting Jan. 21, 2017, this will be a weekly program.

Magic was previously on NBA Countdown from 2008 until 2013, while Wilbon was on the program from 2011 until 2013. Their final season together on Countdown was alongside Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose.