Comedian Mike Epps to make sideline reporting debut for Big3 after Rachel DeMita firing

Mike Epps has been in the public eye for over three decades as a stand-up comedian and later an actor in several high-profile films. But on Sunday, Epps will be seen in a different light when he ventures into the sports world for the first time as a sideline reporter for the Big3.

In a press release from the league on Friday, it was announced that Epps would make his on-air debut as a sideline reporter for the Big3 on Sunday from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Those games will be aired on CBS Sports.

This decision comes just days after the Big 3 League opted to part ways with Rachel DeMita, who joined on as a “sideline correspondent” for the league in June of 2024, after she posted a highlight of WNBA star Caitlin Clark during a Big3 TV window.

It’s unclear whether bringing in Epps is a quick fix for a position that still needs to be filled on a full-time basis, or potentially more of a long term fit for the Big3. But on paper, it certainly seems a bit odd for someone like Epps, with no experience in a sideline reporting role, joining the league’s broadcast team in any capacity.

However, Epps does have a lengthy relationship with Ice Cube, a co-founder of the league, that dates back to the very start of Epps’ professional career. Notably, Epps and Ice Cube famously co-starred in the 2000 comedy film Next Friday.

Epps has spoken publicly about how he and Ice Cube are “brothers for life”. And based on Epps getting this new role with the Big 3, Ice Cube seemingly feels the same way about Epps.

Ice Cube has also never been afraid of taking an untraditional approach to the broadcast team of the Big3. This was made evident when he brought in another actor, Michael Rapaport, to be the sideline reporter of the league in 2017, a role he held until 2021.

What Epps may lack in experience as a sports reporter, he certainly seems as if he would make up in with sheer charisma and popularity, on top of plenty of experience talking in front of a camera as an actor.

Given his high-profile image in the entertainment industry, there were plenty of fans who appear eager to see how Epps does in his new role on Sunday.