Big news in the sports world! ESPN has made a major change to their NBA Finals broadcast team, bringing in a new voice and shifting a familiar favorite. Who’s in, who’s out, and what does this mean for your Finals viewing experience? Get all the details on this surprising shake-up!

ESPN has made a significant shake-up to its premier NBA Finals broadcast team, confirming the demotion of Hall of Fame broadcaster Doris Burke and the promotion of network commentator Tim Legler to the lead analyst role. This pivotal decision signals a new direction for the network’s top-tier basketball coverage, impacting the on-air dynamics for one of the biggest events in sports.

Legler, a long-standing ESPN analyst with 25 years at the network, will now join veteran play-by-player Mike Breen and analyst Richard Jefferson. This new trio is set to helm the network’s highly anticipated Finals broadcasts, bringing a fresh perspective and dynamic to the highly-rated series. Jefferson recently secured a new contract, solidifying his position after his inaugural Finals appearance in June.

Doris Burke, a trailblazer in sports broadcasting, had held a prominent spot on the Finals team for two years, making history as the first woman to serve as an analyst for a championship series in any of the four major North American sports leagues. Her pioneering role garnered widespread recognition and respect within the industry and among fans.

Despite her demotion from the No. 1 team, ESPN simultaneously announced that Burke has signed a multi-year extension, underscoring her continued value to the network. She is slated to transition to ESPN’s No. 2 NBA broadcast team, where she will pair with play-by-player Dave Pasch, continuing to offer her expert analysis to a broad audience.

The decision to replace Burke was not without its public discourse. Reports of Burke’s potential removal from the top team in June sparked a wave of support, notably from Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle and fellow analyst Richard Jefferson. Jefferson notably wore a “My Favorite Broadcaster is Doris Burke” T-shirt, a gesture that highlighted her popularity and influence.

Ultimately, these public displays of support did not sway ESPN’s executive decision-makers. While high-ranking officials like ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro or president Burke Magnus could have intervened, the final call rested with executive vice president Mike McQuade, who oversees all of ESPN’s event production. This illustrates the internal dynamics and hierarchy at play in such significant personnel changes.

Tim Legler’s ascent to the top team marks a culmination of a career renaissance at ESPN, particularly over the last decade. He became a favorite of McQuade’s during regular appearances on Scott Van Pelt’s late-night SportsCenter, where McQuade served as the lead producer. Legler, a former NBA player with a 10-year career averaging 7.0 points per game, began regularly calling games just two seasons ago.

This shift reflects ESPN’s ongoing evaluation and strategic adjustments to its broadcast talent, aiming to maintain viewership and engagement for its marquee events. The new lineup promises a different viewing experience for basketball fans, showcasing the network’s commitment to evolving its presentation of the NBA Finals.

The composition of ESPN’s top NBA broadcast team remains fluid, as evidenced by previous changes including Doc Rivers’ brief tenure and JJ Redick’s promotion. For this year’s Finals, the team is set with Breen, Legler, and Jefferson, but future iterations could very well see further adjustments as the network continues to refine its on-air talent.