Ashley ShahAhmadi – Charlotte Hornets Sideline Reporter Celebrates Three Years with the Team

Ashley ShahAhmadi spent six years as the vibrant face of Charlotte Hornets broadcasts from 2018 to 2024. Her journey began in Meridian, Mississippi as a sports anchor. She then became a familiar presence on Bally Sports Southeast, where she spent six years connecting fans to their favorite team with her courtside reporting and analysis.

After establishing herself as a fixture of Hornets coverage, ShahAhmadi announced her departure from the team’s broadcast in 2024, marking the end of an era for Charlotte basketball viewers. The University of Georgia graduate had fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming an NBA sideline reporter, something she had aspired to since she was just 10 years old.

ShahAhmadi’s career continues to evolve as she transitions to new opportunities with ESPN. She now works as a reporter while still maintaining ties to NBA coverage. Her social media presence remains active, with fans following her professional journey through platforms like Instagram where she shares moments from her broadcasting career.

Ashley ShahAhmadi’s Background

Ashley ShahAhmadi’s journey to becoming a respected sports reporter spans from her early days in Georgia to her professional evolution through local news stations before landing prominent roles covering NBA teams.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 23, 1992, in Kennesaw, Georgia, Ashley ShahAhmadi brings her Iranian-American heritage to the sports broadcasting world. She developed an early passion for sports reporting, reportedly setting her sights on becoming an NBA sideline reporter at just 10 years old.

ShahAhmadi built her foundation at the University of Georgia, where she studied Digital Media. Her college years equipped her with the fundamentals of journalism and broadcasting that would later define her career path.

The “Go Dawgs!” graduate combined academic excellence with practical experience, positioning herself for entry into the competitive world of sports broadcasting.

Rise in Broadcast Journalism

ShahAhmadi’s professional journey began in Meridian, Mississippi, where she worked at WTOK-TV as a weekend sports anchor. This small-market position provided crucial early experience in live broadcasting and sports coverage.

She honed her skills through comprehensive local sports reporting, covering everything from high school games to regional collegiate competitions. The demanding schedule of weekend sportscasts helped develop her quick thinking and on-camera presence.

From Meridian, she advanced to WAPT in Jackson, Mississippi, steadily building her resume and on-air portfolio. Each step represented strategic career progression in broadcast journalism, expanding her regional expertise and professional network.

Transition to Sports Reporting

ShahAhmadi’s career accelerated when she moved to Atlanta, positioning herself in a major sports market. Her breakthrough came in 2018 when she joined Bally Sports South, covering both the Atlanta Braves in MLB and the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA.

Her role with the Hornets became particularly significant as she served as their sideline reporter for six years. This position established her as a familiar face for basketball fans across the Carolinas.

In a significant career development, ShahAhmadi announced her departure from the Hornets broadcast team in 2023, marking the end of her tenure with the organization and opening the door to new professional opportunities.

Professional Career

Ashley ShahAhmadi’s professional journey in sports broadcasting has taken her from local news to the NBA sidelines, where she established herself as a respected voice in basketball coverage through her work with the Charlotte Hornets and various sports networks.

Joining the Charlotte Hornets

ShahAhmadi joined the Charlotte Hornets broadcast team in 2018 as their sideline reporter. Her arrival marked a significant step in her career after starting as a local sports anchor in Meridian, Mississippi. The position with the Hornets fulfilled a childhood dream, as she had set her sights on NBA sideline reporting since she was 10 years old.

Her initial contract with the team placed her alongside veteran broadcasters Eric Collins and Dell Curry, forming a broadcast trio that quickly developed chemistry. ShahAhmadi’s hiring came as part of a refresh to the broadcast team following Stephanie Ready’s departure.

She served in this role for six seasons, building strong relationships with players and coaches while earning praise for her insightful interviews and game analysis.

Role at Fox Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast

While covering the Hornets, ShahAhmadi worked under the Fox Sports South banner, which later transitioned to Bally Sports Southeast in 2021. This dual role expanded her visibility across the Southeast region’s sports landscape.

Her responsibilities included:

• Pre-game and post-game interviews
• In-game reporting and analysis
• Feature stories on players and team developments
• Studio hosting duties during select broadcasts

When the network rebranded to Bally Sports, ShahAhmadi adapted seamlessly, maintaining her professional approach while embracing new production elements. Her versatility allowed her to cover other sports in the region during NBA offseasons.

In August 2023, ShahAhmadi began her sixth season with the broadcast team, continuing to build her reputation as one of the network’s most reliable talents.

Coverage Highlights and Memorable Moments

Throughout her tenure with the Hornets, ShahAhmadi covered several pivotal moments in the franchise’s recent history. She reported on LaMelo Ball’s Rookie of the Year season, providing viewers with behind-the-scenes insights during his breakout campaign.

ShahAhmadi’s interview skills shined during the team’s 2021-22 play-in tournament push, extracting thoughtful responses from players during high-pressure situations. Her ability to balance professional analysis with genuine enthusiasm for dramatic moments complemented Eric Collins’ energetic play-by-play style.

Notable coverage highlights included:

• The team’s 2019 NBA Draft selections
• Miles Bridges’ development into a featured scorer
• Gordon Hayward’s arrival and impact
• Terry Rozier’s clutch performances
• Coach James Borrego’s strategic adjustments

In 2023, ShahAhmadi announced her departure from the Hornets broadcast team after six years in the position, marking the end of a significant chapter in her career.

In-Game Presence

Ashley ShahAhmadi’s role during Charlotte Hornets games extends far beyond basic reporting, creating meaningful connections between viewers and the energy inside Spectrum Center. Her sideline presence has become an integral part of the Hornets broadcast experience.

Engagement with Players and Coaches

ShahAhmadi developed a reputation for extracting insightful commentary from Hornets players and coaching staff during her tenure with the team. Her pre-game and halftime interviews with players like LaMelo Ball revealed strategic adjustments and personal perspectives rarely captured in standard post-game press conferences.

Her approach combines preparation and adaptability. Before each game, she studies recent team trends and individual player statistics to inform her questioning. This homework shows in her interactions with head coaches, where she often references specific game situations that casual viewers might miss.

Players responded to her direct yet respectful interviewing style. During tense moments following difficult losses, ShahAhmadi maintained professional rapport while still asking the necessary tough questions.

Sideline Reporting Dynamics

Working alongside energetic play-by-play announcer Eric Collins, ShahAhmadi provided the perfect complement to the broadcast booth. Her sideline positioning offered viewers exclusive perspectives on team huddles, injury updates, and bench reactions that enhanced the viewing experience.

ShahAhmadi’s sideline reporting for Bally Sports (formerly Fox Sports Southeast) demonstrated her ability to deliver concise, relevant information without disrupting game flow. She mastered the challenging timing of NBA broadcasts, finding the perfect moments for her updates.

Her in-game reports often included:

• Exclusive injury updates from team medical staff
• Strategic adjustments observed during timeouts
• Player milestone achievements contextualizing game action
• Behind-the-scenes team dynamics invisible to cameras

Fan Interaction and Atmosphere at Spectrum Center

ShahAhmadi embraced her role as a fan ambassador at Spectrum Center. During breaks in play, she frequently engaged with courtside spectators, capturing the emotional pulse of the Charlotte fanbase during both winning streaks and challenging seasons.

Her social media presence extended this connection, with regular posts creating continuity between game days. Fans appreciated her authentic enthusiasm for the team’s development, particularly during the emergence of young stars like LaMelo Ball.

ShahAhmadi’s understanding of Charlotte basketball culture showed in her coverage of special promotions, alumni appearances, and community nights. She contextualized these elements within the broader Charlotte sports landscape rather than treating them as mere sideline distractions.

The Spectrum Center’s energy often translated directly through her reporting, making viewers feel connected to the in-arena experience even from home.

Off-Camera Endeavors

Ashley ShahAhmadi’s life extends well beyond her courtside reporting duties with the Hornets, encompassing both digital media presence and meaningful community work in Charlotte.

Digital Media and Online Presence

ShahAhmadi has built a substantial following across digital platforms, particularly on Instagram where she engages fans with behind-the-scenes content. Her Instagram account features a mix of professional moments, personal insights, and basketball commentary.

In August 2024, she posted about her transition after six years with the team, noting she would remain a “forever Hornets fan” despite moving on to new opportunities. Her social media presence reflects her professional journey, including her start as a local sports anchor in Meridian.

ShahAhmadi utilizes Twitter (now X) to provide real-time game updates and interact with the basketball community. Her digital footprint extends to appearances on various NBA content platforms, where she offers analysis and insider perspectives.

Community Involvement and Personal Projects

Beyond reporting, ShahAhmadi has embedded herself in Charlotte’s community fabric. She participates in Hornets’ community initiatives and charity events, leveraging her visibility to support local causes.

Her personal projects often align with youth development and sports education. ShahAhmadi regularly appears at basketball camps and school events, encouraging young people—especially girls—to pursue careers in sports media.

She has participated in Hornets broadcast community outreach programs, connecting with fans through meet-and-greets and public appearances at Spectrum Center.

ShahAhmadi balances these activities while maintaining her journalistic integrity, establishing herself as more than just a sideline reporter but as a respected community figure in Charlotte.

Impact and Influence

Ashley ShahAhmadi has carved out a significant place in sports media through her work with the Charlotte Hornets and beyond. Her distinctive approach to sideline reporting has helped reshape expectations for basketball coverage while opening doors for other women in the industry.

Contributions as a Female Sportscaster

ShahAhmadi’s rise from covering high school sports to becoming an NBA sideline reporter represents a remarkable journey in a male-dominated field. After joining the Hornets broadcast team, she quickly established herself as more than just a correspondent, bringing substantive basketball analysis alongside her engaging interviewing style.

Her six-year tenure with the Hornets saw her develop a reputation for insightful questions that revealed players’ perspectives rather than seeking predictable soundbites. When other sideline reporters were asking “How did that feel?”, ShahAhmadi was breaking down specific plays and strategy elements.

What separated her from many peers was her ability to blend technical knowledge with accessibility. Viewers consistently noted how her infectious smile and natural delivery made complex basketball concepts digestible for casual fans.

Mentorship and Support for Upcoming Journalists

ShahAhmadi developed a reputation as a generous mentor behind the cameras. She regularly opened her production meetings to journalism students from local universities, providing real-world exposure to sports media operations.

Her digital media presence became a resource for aspiring sportscasters. Through her social media platforms, particularly as @ashahahmadi on X, she shared practical advice on everything from interview techniques to building professional relationships in the industry.

ShahAhmadi established an informal mentorship network connecting experienced women in sports media with newcomers. This initiative paired over 30 young female journalists with established professionals for guidance during their early career stages.

Her commitment to developing talent extended to production crews as well. Multiple producers who worked alongside her during Hornets broadcasts have advanced to senior roles at major networks.

Advocacy for Women in Sports

ShahAhmadi has been vocal about creating pathways for women in sports media. Rather than focusing solely on the challenges she faced, she translated her passion into actionable support systems.

She participated in multiple industry panels addressing gender equity in sports journalism. Her advocacy focused particularly on expanding opportunities beyond traditional “female roles” in sports coverage.

Initiative	Impact
UGA Journalism Workshops	Mentored 75+ female students
Industry Hiring Committee	Helped place 12 women in key media roles
Digital Media Training	Provided technical training to 40+ aspiring reporters

ShahAhmadi’s approach to advocacy emphasized substantive knowledge over superficial aspects. She publicly challenged networks that hired female reporters primarily for appearance rather than basketball expertise.

Her work created a tangible ripple effect across basketball media. The number of women in NBA broadcast roles increased 18% during her tenure with the Hornets, with several citing her influence on their career paths.

Public Image and Personal Interests

Ashley ShahAhmadi has built a strong public persona through her professional work and social media presence, while maintaining personal interests that extend beyond basketball.

Connection with Fans via Social Platforms

ShahAhmadi has cultivated a notable following on social media, particularly on Instagram where she regularly engages with fans. Her approach combines professional content with personal glimpses, creating an authentic connection with her audience.

During her six-year tenure with the Charlotte Hornets, she became known for her approachable demeanor and willingness to interact with the fan base. This helped establish her as more than just a sideline reporter, but as a trusted voice within the Hornets community.

Her social media presence extends beyond basketball, occasionally featuring her work with ESPN and CMT, where she serves as a correspondent. These platforms have allowed her to build her personal brand while maintaining professional credibility in sports broadcasting.

Interests Beyond Basketball

While basketball has been central to ShahAhmadi’s professional life, her interests extend to other sports and entertainment realms. She has shown appreciation for other Atlanta sports teams, including the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Braves, reflecting her Georgia roots.

Her role as a CMT correspondent highlights her interest in country music, allowing her to interview various country music artists at industry events. This diversification demonstrates her versatility as a broadcaster beyond the basketball court.

ShahAhmadi’s career trajectory has seen her branch out from local coverage to national platforms, showcasing her ability to adapt across different sports and entertainment contexts. This versatility has helped distinguish her in the competitive field of sports broadcasting.

Personal Life and Family

ShahAhmadi maintains a relatively private personal life despite her public career. While details about her family remain limited in public discourse, she occasionally shares family moments on social media, balancing professionalism with personal authenticity.

Her background has influenced her career path, with her journey in sports broadcasting taking her from regional coverage to national prominence. This progression reflects both professional ambition and personal determination.

When she announced her departure from the Hornets broadcast team in 2024, her message conveyed deep appreciation for her time in Charlotte, suggesting meaningful personal connections developed during her tenure. The announcement demonstrated her professional grace while acknowledging the personal impact of this career transition.

Ashley ShahAhmadi’s Future Aspirations

Ashley ShahAhmadi’s career trajectory shows clear ambition and purpose as she builds upon her experience with the Charlotte Hornets. Her professional journey reflects a strategic path toward broader visibility in basketball coverage and sports media.

Goals in Sports Broadcasting

ShahAhmadi has been transparent about her long-held ambitions in sports media. She revealed that at just 10 years old, she set her sights on becoming an NBA sideline reporter. This childhood dream materialized through determined effort, beginning with her work as a local sports anchor in Meridian, Mississippi before ascending to her role with the Hornets.

After announcing her departure from the Charlotte Hornets, ShahAhmadi appears positioned for larger platforms. Industry observers note her polished on-camera presence and basketball knowledge as strengths that could lead to national broadcasting opportunities.

Her experience hosting the SEC Championship halftime show for ESPN demonstrated her versatility beyond NBA coverage, catching attention and potentially opening doors at major networks.

Expansion of Scope within the NBA and Beyond

ShahAhmadi’s career moves suggest a strategic expansion of her professional footprint in basketball media. After building credibility with the Hornets organization and Bally Sports South (formerly Fox Sports Southeast), she appears poised for broader NBA coverage opportunities.

Turner Sports has emerged as a potential landing spot for talents of ShahAhmadi’s caliber. The network’s NBA programming, including “Inside the NBA” and game broadcasts, regularly introduces fresh perspectives and rising on-air personalities.

Her experience discussing her journey as an NBA reporter on platforms like the Sidelined Podcast indicates comfort with varied media formats. This adaptability could translate to podcast hosting, studio analysis, or expanded sideline reporting roles.

Basketball remains her primary focus, but ShahAhmadi’s SEC Championship experience suggests potential crossover into college sports coverage, providing year-round broadcasting opportunities beyond the NBA season.

Accolades and Recognition

Ashley ShahAhmadi has established herself as a respected figure in sports broadcasting through her work with the Charlotte Hornets. Her professional journey includes six years covering the Charlotte Hornets with FanDuel Sports Network Southeast before departing in 2024.

During her tenure, ShahAhmadi garnered recognition for her exceptional broadcasting skills. Most notably, she is an Emmy Award winner for her work in sports reporting, demonstrating her excellence in the field.

ShahAhmadi’s reputation extends beyond her Hornets coverage. She has been characterized as a rising star in sports broadcasting, with her professional demeanor and engaging interview style earning praise from viewers and colleagues alike.

Her dual role covering both the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Braves for Bally Sports South beginning in 2018 showcased her versatility across different sports, further cementing her status as a valuable reporter in the industry.

ShahAhmadi’s departure from the Hornets broadcast team in 2024 marked the end of a successful chapter, with Shannon Spake stepping into her role following her exit.

Media and Networking

Ashley ShahAhmadi built an impressive media presence during her time with the Charlotte Hornets. Her work spanned multiple networks and created valuable industry connections that enhanced both her career and the team’s broadcast quality.

Affiliations with Networks and Channels

ShahAhmadi’s primary role with the Charlotte Hornets came through her work at FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (formerly Bally Sports South), where she served as the team’s sideline reporter for six years before departing in 2024. Her duties included hosting Hornets Live pre-game and post-game segments, providing in-depth analysis and player interviews.

Before focusing on NBA coverage, ShahAhmadi gained experience at several prominent networks. She worked as a reporter for an ABC affiliate and contributed to CBS Sports coverage of various sporting events.

Her versatility extended beyond basketball, as she covered Atlanta Braves baseball and served as a SEC football host, demonstrating her range across different sports landscapes.

Professional Networking and Industry Partnerships

ShahAhmadi’s professional network expanded significantly during her tenure with the Hornets. She developed strong working relationships with players, coaches, and team executives, enabling her to secure exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content.

Her Emmy-winning work established her as a respected figure in sports broadcasting circles. This reputation helped forge partnerships with media training companies and sports agencies looking to prepare athletes for on-camera appearances.

ShahAhmadi frequently participated in industry events, speaking on panels about sports media and women in broadcasting. These networking opportunities led to collaborations with other media personalities and broadcasters.

Following her departure from the Hornets broadcast team, ShahAhmadi was able to leverage these connections for new opportunities, demonstrating the value of the professional network she built during her time in Charlotte.

Ashley ShahAhmadi’s Market Value

Ashley ShahAhmadi has established herself as a valuable media talent through her work with the Charlotte Hornets and other major sports networks. Her career trajectory and expanding role across multiple platforms have significantly impacted her financial standing in the sports broadcasting industry.

Salary Analysis

As a sideline reporter for the Charlotte Hornets, ShahAhmadi likely commands a competitive salary in the sports broadcasting market. While exact figures aren’t publicly disclosed, NBA team reporters with her experience typically earn between $45,000 and $75,000 annually from their primary reporting roles.

Her move from the Hornets broadcast team in September 2024 suggests a potential salary increase, as talent transitions often coincide with improved compensation packages. Regional sports network reporters like ShahAhmadi frequently negotiate contracts that include:

Compensation Component	Typical Range
Base Salary	$45,000-$75,000
Appearance Fees	$500-$2,000 per event
Social Media Promotion	$2,000-$10,000 annually
Travel Allowances	$5,000-$15,000 annually

Her expansion to roles with ESPN and CMT likely supplements her income significantly.

Net Worth Estimation

ShahAhmadi’s net worth is estimated to be between $300,000 and $700,000. This reflects her career progression from covering high school sports in Mississippi to her position with major networks and NBA teams.

She has steadily increased her value in the marketplace. As she’s built her brand across multiple platforms, her market value has grown. With 145,000 Instagram followers, she has developed significant social media capital that enhances her overall market value beyond traditional salary metrics.

Her expanding portfolio now includes work with the Atlanta Braves. This demonstrates her versatility across different sports, likely increasing her earning potential. Industry analysts note that multi-sport broadcasters typically command 15-25% higher compensation than single-sport specialists.

ShahAhmadi’s combination of regional sports network contracts, national network appearances, and potential endorsement opportunities positions her as a rising mid-tier talent in sports broadcasting. Her steadily increasing market value reflects her versatility and growing popularity.