HELLO NBC!

Maria Taylor is no longer with ESPN. According to the NY Post and other sources, she’s heading to NBC to cover the Olympic (to start).

This comes weeks after a private conversation where ESPN host Rachel Nichols said Taylor got the NBA Finals Host job to make up for the network’s diversity issues. That conversation was leaked to The Times.

ESPN is said to have tried to keep Taylor by offering her a $2 Million raise. She said no.

Both ESPN and Taylor released the following statements about her departure. Her last time on ESPN air was Tuesday night.

“Maria’s remarkable success speaks directly to her abilities and work ethic. There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve. While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we are proud of the work we’ve done together,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content.

“So thankful to Jimmy and all of my great teammates and friends at the SEC Network, College GameDay, Women’s and Men’s college basketball, and the NBA Countdown family — the people who believed in me, encouraged me, pushed me, and lifted me up. Words are inadequate to express my boundless appreciation, and I hope to make them proud,” said Maria Taylor.