WASHINGTON — Veteran NBA journalist Jeff Zillgitt is leaving USA Today after a 30-year run, the reporter announced on social media.
In a post dated Aug. 29, 2025, Zillgitt said he had accepted a buyout from the national newspaper, calling the experience “the thrill and dream of a lifetime.” He thanked colleagues for their support, noting that newsroom friendships helped him through difficult times.
“Being a newspaper person was all I ever wanted out of work,” Zillgitt wrote. “There’s not enough room to acknowledge everyone who deserves it, but my gratitude runs wide and deep.”
The longtime NBA beat writer added that the timing of the buyout gives him a chance to “pursue a couple of projects.” He plans to explore freelance assignments, spend time fly-fishing in Montana, take a September beach vacation and attend several concerts.
“I still have stories to tell,” he said, adding that he will first take time to decompress before deciding on his next move.
Tributes followed quickly. Tim Frank, the NBA’s former senior vice president of communications, described Zillgitt as “the very definition of a pro,” praising his professionalism and kindness.
Zillgitt’s three decades on the NBA beat spanned labor lockouts, the rise of superteams, rule changes and numerous playoff runs. While he has not outlined a specific timetable for returning to daily coverage, he indicated that his reporting career is far from over.
Source: Hoops Wire
