Malika Andrews was the featured guest on a new episode of the SI Media with Jimmy Traina podcast. Andrews is entering her first playoff season as host of NBA Countdown, a position she took over from Mike Greenberg. Andrews filled in for Greenberg on various editions of the program throughout the 2022-23 regular season, largely due to Greenberg’s busy schedule. 

As Traina pointed out Andrews will have to be on almost every night coming up she said, “I usually don’t think of it in those terms. I get to be on every night versus I have to be on every night.” She later added about the upcoming schedule, “This is new to me. I have never experienced this sort of schedule before.”

Traina asked Andrews about when she found out she had gotten the new gig and whether or not she had an idea it was coming. Andrews said because she had filled in and had a taste of NBA Countdown, “I hoped that someday I would have the opportunity to host NBA Countdown. Giants have sat in this seat before me, and I’ve always had a deep appreciation for that.”

Andrews told Traina about a text she received from Greenberg upon the announcement of her getting the position. “He wanted to make sure that I heard from him, and he said, ‘You’re so ready and you’re going to be so great in this role. I don’t have the least bit of concern, and neither should you. My only advice is keep having fun with it and pace yourself, because it’s a long season. If you need some rest, take it. And I’m looking forward to watching you. I am a text away if you need anything.’

“That meant the world to me, getting that text from him in that moment because he has done so much and continues to do so much. I felt at that point there are a couple of people that see something in me so now I’m going to try and fulfill whatever that is even if I’m a little bit nervous.”

Andrews talked about working on the show and some of the unique personalities show is on with, including Stephen A. Smith. “I always knew that Stephen A. was a machine in terms of the work that he puts in, but I think sitting next to him I’ve definitely grown to have a new appreciation for it…There is nobody who works harder. His work ethic is really unparalleled. I admire his ability to jump sport to sport on First Take and then really know basketball.”

Netflix has announced a new series which will premier this summer called, ‘America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.’ In a release, Netflix said the series follows the 2023-24 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad from start to finish — kicking off at auditions and training camp and continuing all the way through the NFL season.

The seven-episode series, directed by Emmy Award-winning director Greg Whiteley, will give viewers unfiltered access into the iconic team and franchise that is the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Led by longtime director Kelli Finglass, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders open their doors to document the personal stories behind the uniforms – revealing the drive, hustle, and drama among the cheerleaders and coaches.

Each episode is expected to last 45 minutes.

“The kind of access and creative freedom we need to make the kind of work we want to make is not easy to come by—especially when dealing with a brand as large as the Dallas Cowboys,” said Greg Whiteley, director and executive producer. “To their infinite credit, the Cowboys offered unfettered access for the year we filmed the DCC and left us alone. The result is an authentic portrait of one of the most storied and beloved institutions we have in American pop culture.”

“We’re thrilled to see the results of a season spent with Greg Whiteley and a remarkable crew following every step of the way. The storytelling through this open access will captivate viewers episode after episode and Netflix’s global stage is the perfect platform to showcase it,” said Charlotte Jones, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President/Chief Brand Officer and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders President. “We went into this understanding that the opportunity to transparently share the journey of our season, and the emotions, challenges and joy experienced along the way, is exactly what our fans and viewers would want. It’s also part of the reason that, for decades, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have earned their place as being ‘often imitated, but never equaled’.”

For the last two years, Mike Francesa has been working with BetRivers as a brand ambassador and host of his eponymous podcast, The Mike Francesa Podcast, which is available across podcasting distribution platforms. Rush Street Interactive has announced that it has reached a renewal of its exclusive, multi-year agreement with Francesa, extending their partnership and continuing the show.

The renewed partnership will ensure that Francesa continues serving exclusively to BetRivers in providing both network and social media content. Additionally, he will now host a daily program on The Mike Francesa Podcast YouTube channel where he will give his opinions, insights and analysis on news and react to games. Francesa is also going to be producing digital videos that will be featured on the BetRivers platform meant to enhance the sports betting experience for consumers around the country. Part of the role will also have him meet and greet BetRivers customers through personal appearances in east coast markets.

“I’m thrilled to continue my partnership with BetRivers, which in my opinion offers the best online sportsbook in the industry,” Francesa said in a statement. “Joining forces with the RSI team enables me to connect with fans in exciting and easily accessible ways, while providing my insight and instant reaction to the biggest games to audiences not only in New York but across BetRivers markets nationwide.”

Francesa, who was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018, previously served as a co-host of Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN before hosting solo on the station. During his time on the air, he garnered multiple Marconi Award wins as major market personality of the year and frequently finished at the top of the New York ratings books. Before his work on WFAN, he was an analyst at CBS Sports for its coverage of football and college basketball. Since joining BetRivers, Francesa has hosted his podcast two times a week and also created digital videos across BetRivers platforms.

“We are delighted to have Mike Francesa, the undisputed ‘King of New York’ radio, renew his partnership with our BetRivers family of Brand Ambassadors,” Richard Schwartz, chief executive officer of Rush Street Interactive, said in a statement. “Our BetRivers audience will now be able to see and hear Mike every weekday! Our customers tell us that his passion for sports, along with the stories Mike shares from when he worked with Jimmy the Greek, add a new level of fun to their betting experiences, further solidifying RSI’s dedication to providing top tier sportsbook entertainment.”