Here’s everything you need to know about the breakfast show’s new sports reporter Danika Mason.

Today has announced who will be replacing Alex Cullen as the show’s sports reporter. Photo: Channel Nine

Just over a month after it was announced that Alex Cullen would be “stepping down permanently” from his role on the Today show, his replacement has finally been confirmed. The breakfast program revealed on Friday morning that Danika Mason will be taking on the highly-coveted role as the show’s sports presenter.

Viewers would recognise Danika as Nine’s NRL sideline sports reporter, and she has been with the network since 2012. She told host Karl Stefanovic on Friday morning that she was “so thankful” for the opportunity and was looking forward to seeing what adventures the role would bring.

“It’s so wonderful to be a part of the family,” Danika said. “It’s so exciting that you’re all welcoming me into your home each morning.

“It’s actually a bit of a full circle moment because, 10 years ago, I was producing sport on the Today show.”

Danika Mason will be taking on the highly-coveted role. Photos: Instagram/danika.masonn

What happened to Alex Cullen?

After five years as Today’s sports reporter, Alex Cullen parted ways with Nine in January after accepting a $50,000 gift from billionaire Adrian Portelli.

Adrian, who became known as ‘Mr Lambo’ following his appearances on The Block, pledged to give $50,000 to the first person who called him ‘McLaren Man’ on air. He then posted a screenshot on Instagram of what appeared to be a bank transfer to an account with Alex’s name after he took him up on the offer.

Alex was subsequently absent from screens for an entire week before it was announced that he would be leaving Today and the network.

“Nine has agreed with Today presenter and journalist, Alex Cullen, that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident,” a Nine spokesperson confirmed in a statement.

Alex parted ways with Nine in January after accepting a $50,000 gift from billionaire Adrian Portelli. Photos: Channel Nine

Who is Danika Mason?

While a string of journalists have filled in for Alex’s role on Today over the past few weeks, it’s been announced that Danika Mason will become the show’s new sports presenter.

Danika first joined Channel Nine in 2012 as an intern and has since been the network’s NRL sideline sports reporter and Australian Open courtside reporter. She has also produced segments behind the scenes for Today sport and the Sunday Footy Show and interviewed some of the biggest sporting legends in the world.

Danika will continue working with Wide World of Sports alongside her new role on Today and will be reporting on Sunday afternoon footy and Thursday nights on the sideline.

Outside of her career achievements, Danika made headlines in 2023 when she called off her wedding three weeks before she was meant to tie the knot to her partner of three years Todd Liubinskas.