Taylor McGregor Leaves Cubs for Full‑Time ESPN Role
Chicago Cubs sideline reporter Taylor McGregor announced her departure from Marquee Sports Network after seven years to take on a full‑time position at ESPN. The move follows her experience covering college football and the UFL since 2019 and opens doors to NBA, college basketball and hosting dutie…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Taylor McGregor, the familiar voice behind Chicago Cubs sideline reporting, has officially announced that she will be leaving Marquee Sports Network after a seven‑year tenure to accept a full‑time role with ESPN. The announcement came on Wednesday, when McGregor posted a heartfelt message on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, explaining that her dream of becoming a full‑time ESPN reporter has finally come true.
From Chicago to the National Stage
McGregor’s journey began in 2019 when she started covering college football and the United Football League (UFL) for ESPN as a sideline reporter. Over the next few years, she became a staple of the Cubs’ broadcast team, working closely with play‑by‑play announcers Boog Sciambi and Jim Deshaies. Her on‑air presence, quick wit, and ability to capture the energy of the game earned her praise from fans and colleagues alike.
In her X post, McGregor reflected on the emotional weight of her decision: “Every day was a joy,” she wrote. “It was a really hard decision to come to this. Ultimately, I just felt like it was the best move for me personally, and everything that I want, both professionally and personally.” She added that she had “loved my time in Chicago” and thanked her teammates for the support they had given her throughout her career.
What the New Role Entails
ESPN’s announcement indicates that McGregor will broaden her coverage beyond college football. She is expected to become a primary NBA reporter, potentially cover college basketball, and may even host segments of “SportsCenter.” The network’s decision to bring her on full‑time underscores her growing reputation as a versatile and engaging sports journalist.
Earlier this month, McGregor’s live reporting during a chaotic Florida State‑SMU game in Florida highlighted her ability to manage unexpected challenges. A power outage delayed kickoff by nearly two hours, and McGregor repeatedly relayed updates from the field as officials worked to restart the game. Her calm demeanor and clear communication were praised by viewers and industry observers.
Farewell to Marquee and the Cubs
McGregor’s last game with Marquee came during a Cubs afternoon matchup against the Miami Marlins. She joined Sciambi and Deshaies in the booth for the broadcast, where she delivered her final on‑air remarks. The emotional moment was captured by fans and shared across social media, with many expressing their support for the reporter’s new chapter.
In her farewell message, McGregor thanked her colleagues at Marquee Sports Network, particularly Boog Sciambi and Jim Deshaies, for their mentorship and camaraderie. She noted that “what you see on the air is exactly how it is off the air,” emphasizing the authenticity of her relationships with the broadcast team.
Looking Ahead
While McGregor’s future with ESPN is promising, several questions remain. How will she balance her responsibilities across multiple sports, and will she host “SportsCenter” full‑time or on a part‑time basis? The network has not yet confirmed the exact scope of her new duties. Fans of the Cubs will undoubtedly miss her insightful reporting, but her move to ESPN represents a significant step forward in her career.
As McGregor transitions to her new role, she will bring the same energy and professionalism that made her a beloved figure in Chicago to a national audience. Her journey from local sideline reporter to national sports journalist serves as an inspiration for aspiring broadcasters looking to make their mark in the industry.
Key facts
- McGregor leaves Marquee after 7 years
- Joins ESPN full‑time covering multiple sports
- Expresses gratitude to Cubs teammates
- Live reporting praised during Florida State‑SMU game
- Future role details remain uncertain
Why it matters
McGregor’s move highlights the career trajectory of sports journalists and underscores ESPN’s commitment to bringing diverse voices to national broadcasts. Her departure also signals a shift in the Cubs’ broadcast team dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What prompted Taylor McGregor to leave Marquee Sports Network?
She wanted to pursue a full‑time role at ESPN, fulfilling a long‑standing career goal.
Will she continue covering the Cubs for ESPN?
It is unclear; her new duties may focus on national sports coverage rather than local teams.
When will she start her ESPN role?
The exact start date has not been announced, but her last broadcast for Marquee was in September 2026.
How did fans react to her announcement?
Many fans expressed support and admiration for her decision, sharing messages of encouragement on social media.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Taylor McGregor announces she’s leaving Cubs for full-time ESPN role in emotional booth moment”
