ESPN has recently announced that Jess Sims, former collegiate basketball player turned fitness instructor, will join the Saturday Primetime team as a sideline reporter for men’s college basketball coverage starting in 2024. Sims will be bringing her energy and passion for basketball to the biggest games each week, expanding her role at ESPN after joining in 2022 as a member of College GameDay Built by The Home Depot.

A Welcome Addition to the Team

Sims’ unique background as a fitness instructor, former collegiate basketball player at Trinity College, and experience working with the WNBA’s New York Liberty as an in-arena host and sideline reporter, make her a valuable addition to the ESPN family. Meg Aronowitz, ESPN senior vice president of production, is confident in the impact Sims will make on the team, saying that “her background and passion for basketball will be a welcome addition to our robust roster of commentators on our men’s college basketball coverage.”

Leaving One Passion for Another

After teaching boxing and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in New York City for several years, Sims took her passion for fitness to Peloton in 2018 as a Tread instructor. She has since taught running, walking, bootcamp, strength, and stretching classes to millions of subscribers worldwide. But basketball was always her first love. In 2021, Sims began working with the New York Liberty, combining her passion for basketball and fitness.

Dedication to Women’s College Basketball

As Sims joins the Saturday Primetime team, veteran ESPN reporter Holly Rowe has decided to dedicate her focus on her passion project, ESPN’s expanded women’s college basketball coverage. Rowe will be serving as the sport’s lead game reporter and as an analyst on College GameDay Covered by State Farm, in addition to covering many other sports, including college football, softball, WNBA, and more.

Closing Out the Season with College GameDay

Sims is wrapping up her second season on the College GameDay team as the show travels to Pasadena, California for the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Prudential for two special edition episodes on December 30th and January 1st. The show will then close out the season at the CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T in Houston on January 8th before the title game.

An Honorable Opportunity

Sims expresses that it is an “absolute honor” to be joining the Saturday Primetime team, stating that basketball has shaped her as a person both on and off the court. Her passion for basketball and fitness have made her a sensational addition to the ESPN family. Fans of men’s college basketball can expect to see Jess Sims bringing her A-game as the newest sideline reporter when the new year tips off on January 13th on ESPN.

We do not know yet what Jess’ Peloton schedule will look like, but we will keep you updated as we learn more.  Huge congrats to Jess!

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