Cubs Reporter Taylor McGregor Leaves for ESPN

Taylor McGregor has announced her departure from her sideline reporting role with the Chicago Cubs' Marquee Sports Network. The move comes as she accepts a full-time position with ESPN, a network where she has been involved in college football coverage since September 2019. McGregor, 33, stated that the decision was driven by a desire for career growth at ESPN and a need for more personal time, acknowledging the demanding nature of daily baseball coverage.

Her expanded responsibilities at ESPN will include continued college football coverage, alongside new assignments in the NBA for the upcoming season. There is also potential for her to contribute to college basketball broadcasts and host "SportsCenter." This transition marks a significant step in McGregor's career, though it creates a vacancy in the Marquee broadcast team. Colleagues like Jon "Boog" Sciambi expressed admiration for her energy and ability to connect with audiences, highlighting the positive impact she had on their broadcasts.

McGregor, an alumna of the University of Arkansas, has prior experience with other sports networks. She expressed fondness for her time with the Cubs organization, particularly the unique atmosphere of Wrigley Field and the relationships she built with the production crew, players, and coaches. She also noted the challenges of maintaining personal life goals, such as marriage and starting a family, with a demanding broadcast schedule. Cubs' chief commercial officer Colin Faulkner described her departure as "bittersweet," recognizing her growth and acknowledging that this move represents a natural progression in her career.

McGregor's contract with Marquee was set to conclude after the current season. Her college football commitments had already prevented her from traveling with the Cubs for their final regular-season series. As the Cubs head into potential postseason play, national TV networks will take precedence. Thursday's game served as her final on-field coverage for Marquee, although she will remain associated with the network during the postseason. Marquee plans to hire a new field reporter to begin in time for spring training next season.