Big news just dropped from ESPN! 🏀 The NBA Finals broadcast team is getting a major facelift, and it involves a huge change for a familiar face. Who’s in, who’s out, and what does this mean for your favorite basketball coverage? Get the inside scoop on this unexpected shake-up!
ESPN has made a significant and unexpected decision regarding its NBA Finals broadcast team, creating a buzz across the sports media landscape. The network is reportedly making a pivotal change, impacting the role of veteran analyst Doris Burke and ushering in a new voice for its premier basketball coverage. This move signals a fresh direction for the highly anticipated NBA Finals broadcasts, promising a different dynamic for viewers.
Doris Burke, a trailblazer in sports broadcasting, had recently ascended to a prominent position within ESPN’s NBA coverage. Following the departures of longtime analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson in 2023, Burke joined Mike Breen on the network’s top broadcast team. Her appointment marked a historic moment, as she became the first female analyst to call an NBA Finals game and the network’s first female No. 1 analyst for a major sports broadcast.
Burke had notably called the 2024 NBA Finals alongside Mike Breen and future Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, a pairing that garnered considerable attention. Prior to that, she lent her expert commentary to the Pacers-Thunder series last year, working with Richard Jefferson and Breen. The conclusion of that Game 7 ultimately served as the final broadcast for that particular trio, paving the way for the recent changes.
Stepping into this crucial role is Tim Legler, a former NBA player whose extensive experience and insightful analysis have made him a highly respected figure at ESPN since joining in 2000. Legler, 58, is well-regarded for his deep understanding of the game and his ability to articulate complex basketball concepts in an accessible manner for viewers. His occasional appearances on ESPN broadcasts have demonstrated his comfort and effectiveness in the spotlight.
Legler’s intimate knowledge of the game, combined with his proven track record of breaking down plays and strategies, makes him a compelling choice to join the broadcast booth. His analytical prowess is expected to complement Mike Breen’s renowned play-by-play commentary, and potentially another analyst, creating a new chemistry for ESPN’s flagship NBA coverage. This strategic shift reflects a desire to evolve the broadcast presentation.
The landscape of NBA game broadcasts is undergoing a significant transformation, with new media deals set to kick in this upcoming season. While Amazon and NBC are poised to replace TNT as broadcast partners for many regular-season and playoff games, ESPN/ABC has successfully retained exclusive broadcast rights to the coveted NBA Finals. This long-term, 11-year media deal ensures that the Finals will continue to be a cornerstone of ESPN’s sports programming.
The decision to alter the top broadcast team suggests that network executives may have felt the previous Breen/Burke/Jefferson trio did not achieve the desired on-screen synergy. Seeking to enhance the viewer experience and potentially boost engagement, ESPN is proactively adjusting its talent lineup. The upcoming NBA Finals next June are therefore anticipated to feature a noticeably different sound and look, marking a new chapter in basketball commentary.
