‘Mason & Ireland’ sign extension to remain ESPN LA’s afternoon drive voices through 2027

Steve Mason and John Ireland are locked into continuing to host Los Angeles’s afternoon drive on ESPN Radio and Good Karma Brands, officially, through Super Bowl LVI in 2027. The network made the announcement this week, officially extending the iconic duo’s contract with ESPN Los Angeles (KSPN-AM) through at least the next time the city — and ESPN/ABC — host the Super Bowl.

Mason & Ireland have been a staple on ESPN LA since 2005, but their partnership goes back more than three decades. Their show stands as the flagship program for ESPN Los Angeles, the radio home to the Lakers, USC, Kings, LAFC, and Angels.

And ESPN couldn’t be more excited to keep Mason and Ireland in the fold. ESPN exec. David Roberts, in a statement, called their chemistry a rarity, especially in a time when it’s harder than ever to measure what a show actually means to its audience.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Steve and John,” said Roberts. “They bring energy, humor, and perspective that resonate with listeners across Los Angeles. There’s nothing quite like Mason & Ireland in the market or in sports radio.”

For Mason, the extension is an opportunity to continue doing what he loves, with people he respects, in a city that holds a great deal of meaning for him.

“I’m incredibly grateful to continue this amazing ride with ESPN and our loyal listeners,” said Mason. “It’s an honor to do what I love every day with people I respect and a city I love.”

Ireland reflected on the rarity of such longevity in radio, pointing to a mix of hard work and a bit of luck:

“I’m incredibly thankful to continue our run. If you would have told me 20 years ago that Mason and I would get to talk sports, on ESPN Radio, in Los Angeles, for more than two decades, I would have called you crazy,” added Ireland. “Those kind of runs rarely happen in radio. But my dad used to tell me: ‘You have Irish luck–take advantage of it.’ And the truth is, we’ve been ridiculously lucky to work here with people we love, and to do it for a great audience.”

Ireland, who has been the Lakers’ radio play-by-play voice for the last 20 years, has known and worked alongside Mason even longer. Their long history explains moments like the time a $100 bet between the two resulted in one of them stripping down to nothing but their underwear live on air.

Mason and Ireland have been radio partners on and off since 1992. They’ve mostly been on, though, as the duo sealed a multi-year extension in 2022 that solidified their three-decade bond. And just this week, they doubled down with another contract to keep the partnership going strong into the future from 12-3 p.m. PT every single day.