Danika Mason has officially been named the new sports presenter for the Today Show, stepping into the role left vacant by Alex Cullen’s unexpected departure.
The 33-year-old sports journalist, who has been a familiar face on Channel Nine for over a decade, was welcomed into her new position during a live broadcast from Las Vegas.
Mason’s appointment was announced by Today Show host Sarah Abo, with co-host Karl Stefanovic joining in from the United States.
The timing coincided with the NRL’s showcase event in Las Vegas, where Mason was already reporting live on the atmosphere surrounding the games.
Speaking about her new role, Mason expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, describing it as a significant moment in her career.
A Full-Circle Career Moment
For Mason, joining the Today Show team represents a homecoming of sorts.
The Sydney-born journalist, who grew up in the Hills district, has been immersed in sports media since beginning her career at Channel Nine straight out of university.
“Ten years ago, I was producing sport on the Today Show, so it’s come all the way around,” Mason reflected. “It is so wonderful to be part of the family. I’m so excited for what’s to come and for the chance to be welcomed into homes each morning.”
Mason’s extensive experience in sports journalism made her a natural fit for the role. Over the years, she has built a strong reputation as a knowledgeable and dynamic presenter, covering major sporting events across Australia. Her work with 9News, The Sunday Footy Show, NRL on Nine, and Wide World of Sports has cemented her as a respected voice in the industry.
Despite her new position, Mason confirmed that she would continue her commentary duties on Nine’s live NRL coverage. She reassured fans that she would still be on the sidelines for Thursday night games and continue her work on Sunday Afternoon Footy.
Excitement in Las Vegas for the NRL Showcase
Mason’s introduction as Today’s new sports presenter came against the backdrop of the NRL’s second annual event in Las Vegas, held at Allegiant Stadium.
“This year feels very different—there’s even more of a buzz in the air,” she remarked during her live cross. “It’s incredible what they’ve done here, and it’s so fun to be a part of it. Even on the streets, everyone is wearing jerseys. It’s taking over.”
Her enthusiasm for the event reflects her deep connection to the rugby league community. Having grown up surrounded by the sport, Mason’s passion for reporting on it has been evident throughout her career.
Alex Cullen’s Abrupt Departure
Mason’s new role follows the sudden exit of her predecessor, Alex Cullen, who was let go by Channel Nine in January under controversial circumstances. His departure came after he accepted a $50,000 payment from Melbourne entrepreneur Adrian Portelli for referring to him by a specific nickname during the Australian Open.
Portelli, known for his high-profile car giveaways, had offered a financial reward to any journalist who referred to him as “McLaren Man” instead of his usual moniker, “The Lambo Guy.” Cullen obliged during a live broadcast from Melbourne Park and later shared the footage on social media. Following this, Portelli posted a screenshot of what appeared to be a $50,000 transfer to Cullen.
The incident quickly gained public attention, leading to speculation about Cullen’s position at the network. On January 24, Stefanovic addressed the matter on-air, stating, “As most of you are well aware, our colleague Alex Cullen has not been on air with us this past week. There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this. What I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed that he would finish with the network.”
Cullen later shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing gratitude for the support he had received. “This has been a very difficult time, and I just want to say thank you to all the wonderful people who reached out. I look forward to whatever comes next,” he wrote alongside a photo of himself with his son.
Since his departure, rumors have been circulating that Cullen may be in talks with rival network Channel Seven for a possible role on Sunrise. Industry insiders have suggested that he is being considered as a potential addition to the morning program.
A New Chapter for the Today Show
With Mason now officially stepping into the sports presenter role, the Today Show is set for a fresh start. She joins an established team that includes Sarah Abo, Karl Stefanovic, Jayne Azzopardi, and Tim Davies. Her wealth of experience and enthusiasm for sports broadcasting will undoubtedly bring new energy to the program.
Mason’s ability to connect with audiences, coupled with her in-depth knowledge of the sports world, makes her a strong addition to the Today Show team. As she takes on this new challenge, viewers can expect to see her delivering sports updates with the same passion and professionalism that have defined her career thus far.
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