I didn’t agree with ESPN’s decision to lay off Zach Lowe last September, but I understood it. Although I was surprised by the timing, especially with the NBA season approaching, I wouldn’t have made the same choice; Lowe would have been my top pick for NBA coverage.
Upon learning of Lowe’s reported $1 million-plus salary at ESPN, the decision began to make sense. Despite being a nominal amount for Disney, every dollar matters, particularly when allocated to someone whose work no longer aligns with your strategy. As our Brendon Kleen observed, ESPN had moved away from intelligent NBA analysis long before parting ways with Lowe. The network had increasingly focused on self-involved feuds and highlighted big-name stars and off-court drama rather than in-depth coverage.
While Lowe can certainly cover the big stories, his expertise shines when he breaks down the intricacies of players and strategies. True fans of The Lowe Post know that his in-depth analysis is what makes him exceptional. Yet those insights are not the type that fuels hours of First Take or goes viral on social media, explaining why a more opinionated personality like Kendrick Perkins holds more value for ESPN.
In contrast, at The Ringer, Bill Simmons recognizes and nurtures talent. Despite being a polarizing figure, his ability to position individuals for success illustrates why he’s become one of the biggest success stories post-ESPN. Thus, it was no surprise that the news of Lowe reuniting with Simmons at The Ringer was met with widespread enthusiasm.
Bill Simmons welcoming Zach Lowe to The Ringer pic.twitter.com/hyifqKf8Vx
— The r/BillSimmons Podcast (@rBillSimmonsPod) March 31, 2025
Details about Lowe’s role at The Ringer are still emerging, but it’s evident that Simmons will allow him the freedom to be himself. Although Lowe may face light-hearted gimmicks like redrafting the 2024 NBA Draft or an abundance of Celtics chatter, he will mainly have the room to reclaim his position as a leading voice in NBA media.
This is great news for fans who have missed his insightful coverage during his absence. The excitement surrounding Lowe’s rare emergency podcast following the Luka Dončić trade underscores the collective appreciation for his analytical voice. Moving forward, such instances will become the norm, especially with the creation of a YouTube page for The Zach Lowe Show already underway. With the NBA Playoffs approaching, one of the league’s favorite analysts will rejoin the conversation, focusing on teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers without getting caught in a LeBron vs. Jordan debate.
While it was disappointing to see Lowe laid off last fall, the move underscored ESPN’s priorities. His return to The Ringer proves that the wait was worthwhile, reuniting him with an organization that values his skills.
